For many teens, dating relationships are more than just a social milestone: They are an opportunity to learn how to communicate, build trust and form meaningful emotional connections. However, not all teen relationships are healthy. Jenna Conrad, BSN, RN, SANE-A, coordinator of Aultman Serenity Program, offers information to help parents and teens become more aware of red flags in teen relationships.

Teen dating violence is more common than parents may realize and poses a serious concern for teen health and well-being. In fact, as many as 69% of U.S. youth reported some form of victimization in a 2016 study cited by the National Institute of Justice.

Another study on teen dating violence among U.S. high school students, released in 2021 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, showed that 8.5% of students reported physical violence and 9.7% reported sexual violence in their relationships.

Teen dating violence refers to abuse that occurs within a romantic relationship among individuals between the ages of 13-19. Abuse can take many forms:

• Physical abuse can include pushing, hitting, slapping or other acts of violence that cause physical harm.
  
  
• Emotional abuse involves humiliation, controlling behaviors and manipulation. These behaviors can be quite harmful because they can leave scars that others cannot see.
  
  
• Sexual abuse involves coercion to engage in unwanted sexual activities.
  
  
• Digital abuse involves online harassment, threats and monitoring of social media and texts. Cyberdating abuse has become one of the more common ways teens can experience dating violence. In one study published in 2020, 28% of U.S. middle and high school students stated they experienced cyberdating abuse.

Research shows that 1 in 3 teens will experience some form of abuse in a dating relationship before reaching adulthood. Additionally, 1 in 5 teens experience digital dating abuse.

Red Flag Behaviors in Teen Relationships

Parents and teens should be on the lookout for warning signs of abusive behaviors and take them seriously. Statements such as “He’s just a little controlling” or “She’s just overprotective” may minimize harmful behaviors.

Harmful behaviors include:

• Frequently becoming angry or aggressive
  
  
• Breaking objects, punching walls or damaging property
  
  
• Blocking doorways or preventing someone from leaving
  
  
• Taking away a partner’s phone or restricting communication
  
  
• Gaslighting or manipulating people’s emotions
  
  
• Showing excessive jealousy or possessiveness
  
  
• Isolating a partner from friends or family
  
  
• Monitoring a partner’s whereabouts or online activity

Many teens may not recognize these behaviors as abuse. Lack of education regarding healthy relationships can make it difficult for teens to identify the warning signs of abuse.

Long-Term Health Impacts

The effects of teen dating violence can be long-lasting and detrimental. Teens who experience abuse are at increased risk for depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and low self-esteem. These negative experiences can also increase the risk of substance abuse and can affect the ability to form healthy relationships later in life.

Educating teens about healthy relationships, boundaries and respect is a crucial step in prevention of dating violence.

If you or someone you know is experiencing violence in your relationship, there is help. Reach out to Aultman’s Serenity Program at 330-363-0669 or Love Is Respect at 1-866-331-9474.

Sources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Cyberbullying Research Center
National Institute of Justice