Dating among teens is common and can even be healthy for emotional and social development. But it鈥檚 critical that teens learn the signs and risks of an unhealthy relationship early.
that, among U.S. high school students:
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About 1 in 12 experienced physical dating violence
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About 1 in 12 experienced sexual dating violence
Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, which occurs every February, is a great time to talk to your teen about dangers and signs of an unhealthy relationship.
Dangers of Teen Dating Violence
鈥淭eens are in their formative years,鈥 says Kristin Francis, MD, a child and adolescent psychiatrist at Huntsman Mental Health Institute. 鈥淏eing exposed to dating violence this early in their lives can have harmful consequences, both physically and psychologically.鈥
found that the most common consequences of teen dating violence are 鈥渓ow self-esteem, depressive symptoms, psychiatric disorders, drug abuse, risky sexual behavior, and low academic performance.鈥
Beyond those risks, that dating violence can also perpetuate the cycle of abuse.
Signs of Teen Dating Violence
Teen dating violence isn鈥檛 always obvious鈥攁nd victims who feel ashamed will sometimes attempt to hide signs of abuse. Recognizing both the obvious and more hidden signs of abuse can save lives. Look out for those who:
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Are isolated from friends and family
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Are put down or humiliated frequently by their partner
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Show signs of injuries, including bruises, scratches, and broken bones
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Have an extremely jealous partner
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Have a partner with intense mood swings and explosive outbursts
It鈥檚 also important to keep an eye on other forms of abuse in relationships, which can include emotional and verbal abuse, financial abuse, digital abuse, and stalking.
鈥淎buse can take on a lot of different forms, and it鈥檚 not always obvious,鈥 Francis says. 鈥淏e aware of any changes in behavior and create space for nonjudgmental conversations. Let teens know that they don鈥檛 need to feel ashamed or alone鈥攈elp is available.鈥
How to Help
We can all help prevent teen dating violence by setting a good example of what healthy, communicative, and respectful relationships look like. We can call out abuse when we see it on television, in music, or on the big screen.
鈥淩educing stigma around abuse is so important to preventing it and helping someone escape it,鈥 Francis says. 鈥淎sking tough questions like, 鈥楧o you feel safe with your partner?鈥 or 鈥楢re you being hurt?鈥 really can save lives and set our young adults on the right path for healthy relationships.鈥
If you believe someone you know is experiencing dating violence, reach out and ask if you can help them find the support they need. Ask them if they feel safe and, if they don鈥檛, help them create
If you are experiencing dating violence, reach out for help. Speak to a trusted friend, family member, co-worker, or therapist.
People in immediate danger should call 911. Otherwise, a number of resources are available to help people recognize and escape abusive relationships, including the the , and
If you need someone to speak to, 988 is a confidential, no-cost line that directs callers in need to the and integrated crisis response systems. There are also crisis intervention apps like , which connects users to licensed counselors that are ready to listen to any sized crisis or concern.
