As a parent, it can be difficult to accept that your child is growing up and starting to explore relationships. While you want your child to experience healthy relationships, it’s important to understand the dangers of teen dating violence. In this article, we will discuss what parents need to know about Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month and how they can help protect their kids from becoming victims of abuse.  

• Understanding Teen Dating Violence 

Dating violence is a serious and widespread problem among teenagers globally. According to a national survey, 1 in 3 teenagers in the United States have experienced physical, sexual, or emotional abuse by a dating partner. In India, the millennials today have a great exposure to modern communication and dating apps making them vulnerable to teen dating violence.  

 

Many teens do not report these experiences because they are afraid to tell anyone, or they don’t think anyone will believe them. It can be hard for parents to know if their child is experiencing dating violence because teens often try to keep these experiences hidden. However, there are some warning signs that parents can look for: 

-Isolation from friends and family 

-Sudden changes in mood or behavior 

-Excessive jealousy or possessiveness 

-Attempts to control their partner’s behavior 

-Explosive anger 

-Violent behaviors 

 

 If you see any of these warning signs in your child’s relationship, talk to them about it. Let them know that you are there for them and that they can come to you with anything. Help them understand what a healthy relationship looks like so they can develop positive relationships in the future. 

 

• How to Identify and Seek Help for a Teen in an Abusive Relationship 

 

If you’re a parent of a teen, it’s important to be aware of the signs of an abusive relationship. Unfortunately, many teens don’t seek help because they’re afraid or embarrassed. Here are some signs to look for: 

 

-Your teen is suddenly withdrawn or stops hanging out with friends 

-There are sudden changes in their mood or behavior, such as being overly jealous or possessive 

-They start skipping school or have difficulty concentrating 

– They have unexplained bruises or injuries 

-They seem frightened or intimidated by their partner 

If you suspect your teen is in an abusive relationship, the most important thing you can do is talk to them about it. Let them know that you’re there for them and that they can come to you with anything. If they’re reluctant to talk, they can also reach out to a child helpline for more support. 

• Warning Signs of an Abusive Relationship 

If you’re a parent, you might not be aware of the warning signs of an abusive relationship. Look out for these signs in your teen’s partner if you know them:  

1. Your teen’s partner is possessive or extremely jealous.

2. Your teen’s partner threatens or openly bullies your teen.

3. Your teen’s partner tries to control what your teen does, who they see, and what they wear.

4. Your teen’s partner physically hurts your teen or forces them into sexual activity.

5. Your teen’s partner constantly puts them down, calls them names, or makes them feel bad about themselves.

Your teen should not only be aware of these warning signs, but also who to reach out to: you as a parent, school counselor, coach, an extended family member, or friend. The child helpline number 1098 offers help to all under 18 teenagers.  

 

• Healthy Relationships and how to Talk to Your Teen about them 

It’s essential that parents talk to their teens about healthy relationships. This conversation will help your teen understand what a healthy relationship looks and feels like, as well as how to identify unhealthy behaviors. 

Here are some tips for talking to your teen about healthy relationships: 

1. Start early. It’s never too early to start talking to your kids about relationships. You can begin by talking about healthy friendships and how to treat others with respect.

2. Be open and honest. Share your own experiences (both positive and negative) with your teen. This will help them feel comfortable talking to you about their own experiences.

3. Use teachable moments. If you see something on TV or in a movie that opens up an opportunity to talk about healthy relationships, take it! These moments can be helpful starting points for more in-depth conversations sometime later.

4. Encourage questions. Let your teen know that they can come to you with any questions they have about relationships, no matter how big or small. This will help create an open line of communication between you and your teen.

5. Keep the conversation going. Relationships are complex, so there’s no need to try and cover everything in one conversation. Instead, approach this as an ongoing dialogue that you have with your teen throughout their teenage years (and beyond!).

 

• Alternatives to Traditional Dating 

There are many alternatives to traditional dating, and these can be a great way to get to know someone without the pressure of a formal date. Here are a few ideas: 

1. Hanging out in groups. This can be a great way to meet new people and get to know them in a relaxed setting.

2. Going on outings with friends. Whether it’s exploring a new town or city, going for a hike, or checking out a new restaurant, this can be a fun way to spend time with friends and get to know new people.

3. Joining clubs or organizations. This is a great way to meet people with similar interests, and you might even make some lasting friendships.

4. Online dating. This can be a great option if you’re shy or don’t have much time to go out and meet people. Just be sure to do your research and stay safe!

 

• Celebrating Healthy Love During February 

February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, and it’s a great time to talk to your teen about healthy love. While it’s important to have these conversations all year round, this month provides a special opportunity to focus on the topic. 

 

There are many ways you can celebrate healthy love with your teen during February. Here are a few ideas: 

 

1. Talk about what healthy love looks like. This can be done through conversation, movies, books, or articles. There are lots of resources available online and in libraries.

2. Plan fun outings with your teen and their significant other. This is a great way to show them how much fun being in a healthy relationship can be!

3. Encourage your teen to express their love in creative ways. This could involve making homemade cards, writing poems, or creating artwork together.

4. Help your teen identify their own personal strengths and qualities that they bring to a relationship. This will boost their confidence and help them attract healthier partners.

5. Most importantly, model what healthy love looks like in your own relationship! Your teen will learn a lot from watching you and your partner interact positively with each other.

 

• Conclusion:

Teen dating violence is a significant problem that requires the attention of parents and teenagers alike. By understanding the warning signs to look out for, talking openly with teens about their relationships, and encouraging them to seek help when needed, we can work together to reduce teen dating violence. Parents should also be aware of local resources available in their community so they can provide assistance if needed. By increasing awareness around teen dating violence and taking steps to prevent it, we can ensure that all young people are safe and respected in their relationships. 

Source: 

Dr. Mamta Lele- Pawara 

(MD Ayurveda-Internal Medicine, CRAV-Kayachikitsa, MA Sanskrit)