In the digital age, it is not surprising to find out that technology and social media can play a huge role in teen dating violence.
There have been news stories recently of young people committing suicide after being pranked or encouraged to do so through texting and social media by the person they were dating. In a teen dating situation, as well as in adult situations, abusers can use cell phone apps and social media sites to track their dating partner’s whereabouts, friendships and activities, as a means to control the other person.
Technology can be used to manipulate and control another person in other ways as well:
- An abuser may demand passwords to email and social media accounts
- Social media accounts may be tampered with by a partner, without permission
- An abusive partner may coerce the person they are dating into sending sexually explicit photos and videos
- An abusive person may stalk and harass their partner through sending constant texts or messages
- Abuse can come in the form of coercive texts and messages, pressuring a dating partner to have sex
- An abusive person may also use text and messaging apps to send demeaning, degrading or threatening messages
If you feel or suspect that your child is in an abusive relationship, experts suggest that you don’t necessarily just try to swoop in and attempt to put a stop to the relationship. Instead, they suggest you be available to listen and to be non-judgmental when they do talk with you. It’s also very important to believe your child. Suggesting peer counseling or other resources to your teen may be some first steps to helping. Keeping th conversation open and going both ways is very important. Deciding on next steps with your teen instead of for your teen can help in these kinds of situations.
There are some wonderful resources online that you may find helpful to learn more about Teen Dating Violence and to learn what can be done to help stop it. Please check out these sites. They are full of really useful information and ideas.
TheHotline.org – The national Domestic Violence Hotline
LoveIsRespect.org – Teen Dating Violence website. They have 24/7 chat help on their site, as well as a phone and text crisis line.
Call: 1.866.331.9474, TEXT: LOVEIS to 22522
WhenGeorgiaSmiled.org – Lots of resources here, including information and access to The Aspire (domestic violence related with a special part for teens) curriculum and app