For Parents and Guardians

Message to Parents and Guardians

Cornell University is committed to providing a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment for youth participants. 

Through its Protection of Minors and Abuse Reporting Policy, Cornell has established requirements designed to help protect youth participating in Cornell-affiliated programs. These requirements also apply to third-party organizations operating youth programs on Cornell property, helping ensure that all programs meet the same high standards for safety and well-being.

How Cornell Keeps Youth Safe

Screening and Background Checks: Individuals who work directly with minors are required to complete screening measures, including criminal background checks and sex offender registry searches, before participating in youth programs.

Education and Training: Individuals who work directly with minors receive training on recognizing, preventing, responding to, and reporting abuse, misconduct, and other safety concerns.

Standards of Behavior: Cornell has established clear expectations regarding appropriate and inappropriate interactions with youth, including standards related to physical contact, language, communication, supervision, and professional boundaries.

Reporting and Response Procedures: Cornell has established clear procedures for reporting known or suspected abuse, misconduct, and other safety concerns involving minors, ensuring concerns are addressed promptly and appropriately.

Program Safety Measures: Programs are required to implement safety measures, supervision practices, and emergency procedures designed to promote the well-being of all participants.

How Parents and Guardians Can Help:

Parents and guardians play an important role in helping children stay safe. Consider discussing the following topics with your child using age-appropriate language:

Teach Personal Boundaries: Help your child understand personal boundaries and the difference between appropriate and inappropriate touch, language, and behavior.

Speaking Up When Something Feels Wrong: Teach your child that they can say “no” to any touch, interaction, or behavior that makes them feel uncomfortable or unsafe.

Trusted Adults: Help your child identify trusted adults they can talk to if they have concerns, questions, or feel unsafe.

Recognizing Warning Signs: Be aware of potential indicators of abuse or maltreatment, such as unexplained injuries, sudden changes in mood or behavior, reluctance to be around certain individuals, or age-inappropriate knowledge or behavior.

Reporting Concerns Promptly: If your child expresses concerns about unsafe, abusive, neglectful, or inappropriate behavior in a program, please contact Cornell's Children and Youth Safety team at (607) 255-9062 or am2987@cornell.edu.

Emergency Contacts

In an emergency, contact:

• Ithaca Campus: (607) 255-1111
• Cornell Tech: (646) 971-3611
• Weill Cornell Medicine-NYC: (212) 746-0911
• All other locations, including Cornell AgriTech, contact 911