Teen Dating Violence: The Facts
Studies indicate that upwards of 18% of teenagers report having been physically harmed by a boyfriend or girlfriend over the last 12 months. Even more significant, just over 75% of teens report experiencing emotional or psychological abuse. Teens are especially vulnerable to dating violence due to the tumultuous nature of teen years. Significant physical and hormonal changes, coupled with a not-yet fully developed prefrontal cortex contribute to emotional volatility, susceptibility to peer pressure, and a desire to fit in. Teen relationship education is so important in empowering teens to seek healthy relationships. At the Jessica Yaffa Coaching Institute, we’re here to provide teen relationship education as you navigate making healthy relationship decisions and supporting those in your life to do the same.
8 Things Every Teen Should Know
- If you aren’t ready to date, you aren’t alone
Many young people chose to wait to be in a relationship. Whatever your reasons are for not wanting to date, honor yourself and go at a pace you are comfortable with. - Nobody has the right to hurt you
Nobody has the right to call you names, put you down, threaten you, try to control you, or harm you in other ways. You are deserving of respectful, genuine, healthy connections. - Continue to be yourself
Dating doesn’t mean giving up your individual friends, activities, interests, goals, or values. A healthy dating relationship encourages you to pursue these things. - You have the right to privacy
Being in a relationship doesn’t mean you share every thought, feeling, or past experience with your partner. - You have the right to change your mind
Whether you’ve just started dating, have been sexually active, or have been in your relationship for a long time, it’s okay for what you’re comfortable with to change. You should feel respected and able to communicate this. - Social media doesn’t paint the real picture
No one has the perfect relationship. Social media makes it so easy to compare your relationship to others, but it’s important to remember that most social media is a highlight reel of perfect moments. - You will be okay
Going through a breakup as a young person can feel like the end of the world. You are more than your relationship, and you will be able to heal and move forward with time. - A relationship doesn’t define you
Healthy relationships add to the brilliance of life and who you are. They don’t require you to sacrifice yourself, give up things that are important to you, or change who you are.
Supporting Your Teen
Parents and caregivers can have a huge impact on healthy relationships for teens. Participating in teen relationship education programs can help you to understand how to support your teen in developing healthy, respectful, and happy relationships. We understand how challenging it can be to talk to your teen about intimate relationships. At the Jessica Yaffa Coaching Institute, promoting healthy relationships for teens is our specialty. We’re here for you with advice, teen relationship education workshops, and customized guidance to best support your teen.
How to Talk to Your Teen About Healthy Relationships
- Create a safe space
Before establishing ground rules for teenage dating, it’s important to make sure that your teen knows you are a safe space. Let them know that they can talk to you about anything, that you won’t be mad at them for bringing an issue to you, and that you’ll always support them. Having a safe and open dialogue with your teen means that no matter how much distance is between you, they can turn to you for advice, support, and love.
- Explain what defines a healthy relationship
Not all parents have healthy relationships to model for their children, but all parents can explain to their children what healthy relationships for teens look like. You may want to shield your teen from the harsh truth of relationship challenges, but they’re on their way to adulthood and need you for guidance and advice.
- Explain what a healthy relationship is not
Openly discussing relationship abuse and the warning signs can help your teen recognize harmful behaviors.
- Talk about sex
Sex can be used as power, especially in teen relationships. Talk to your child about what to expect with sex in high school and college, including both healthy and unhealthy sexual encounters. Your openness and communication can help them to build confidence, respect others and their own boundaries, and elicit respect from others.
- Provide tools to face the worst
Talk to your teen about what to do if they find themselves in an unhealthy relationship. Sharing common responses to relationship abuse and discussing the resources available to them ensures that they are prepared if they do experience relationship abuse.
Teen relationship education is vital to preparing kids to handle life’s situations on their own. Even if it seems your teen isn’t listening or having trouble with relationship-focused conversations, your messages can still have an impact. Continue to learn with our healthy relationship education workshops for teens and parents. We’re here for you and your teen as you navigate relationship challenges. See our workshop offerings here and register today!
If you’d like one-on-one, or support with your teen, our relationship experts are equipped to provide customized services. We would love to support you and are happy to provide you will a consultation to discuss your challenges and goals. Contact us today to see if we’re a good fit for you!
