Safety experts warn parents: trust your instincts and keep friends and family informed when meeting someone new.
GASTONIA, N.C. — Police in Gastonia are asking for the public’s help to find a missing teenager who may be with people she met through a teen dating app.
17-year-old Emma Galindo was last seen a few days ago, leaving her job at the Food Lion on South New Hope Road. Investigators say they are concerned for her safety.
As the search continues, experts are reminding parents and teens about the risks of meeting people online.
“The digital world can open doors, but not all lead to safe spaces,” said Dr. Sherill Carrington, CEO of Teens for Courage. “Parents and adults may think of like Snapchat, or we may think of our Instagram — people DMing you, but there are so many sites out there.”
Carrington said more teens are using dating apps, making it important for parents to know who their kids are talking to and to have open conversations about online dangers.
“You are the person that’s informing them and educating them of what’s out there. So as parents and adults, we need to educate ourselves,” Carrington said.
Teens for Courage works to end all forms of teen dating violence and promote healthy relationships. Carrington said it’s critical that young people understand what to look for.
“We tell our young people to make sure that they understand and know the warning signs,” she said.
Carrington’s advice for teens using dating apps is simple: “First thing we tell them is trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, trust it.”
Safety tips for teens
Carrington shared the following safety guidelines for teens meeting people online:
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Use technology safely; keep personal information, private photos, and your location private.
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Always meet in a safe, public place.
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Keep friends and family informed about where you are going, who you will be with, and when you expect to return.
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Watch for signs of abuse, such as frequent put-downs, jealousy, threats, or unwanted touching.
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Have a safety plan in case you need to leave quickly.
Gastonia Police said parents play a critical role by knowing who their kids are talking to online, restricting cell phone use at night, and staying actively involved in their lives.
Carrington also encourages parents to create a safe space where children feel comfortable talking openly about what’s happening in their lives.
Anyone with information about Emma Galindo’s location is asked to call Gastonia police.
Contact Jesse Pierre at jpierrepet@wcnc.com or follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
