Let’s face it—being a teen is hard. Big emotions shape daily life, and navigating dating relationships often requires more maturity than most teens have had time to develop. Poor communication skills, jealousy, and limited emotional awareness can become prevalent in teen relationships. As a result, many teens do not recognize when a relationship has become unhealthy or unsafe.
It’s important to remember that abuse is not always physical. It can also be emotional, psychological, sexual, or rooted in patterns of control.
Red flags:
• excessive jealousy
• invasion of privacy or monitoring communication
• anger or rage
• one partner being blamed for problems without the other taking responsibility
• controlling tendencies, such as dictating who someone can see or what they can wear
These behaviors can be difficult to identify when you’re young and emotionally invested. Parents can help by having frequent, ongoing conversations about respect, consent, and healthy boundaries. Create an environment where your teen feels comfortable asking questions and sharing concerns. For parents, this means being a good listener and offering a nonjudgmental ear.
Invite your teen’s partner to spend time in your home so you can meet them and observe how they interact. Pay attention not only to how the partner treats your child, but also to how your child behaves in the relationship. Set clear expectations for dating and remain consistent with boundaries on curfew, whom they may date, and where they can go together.
If you suspect your teen is experiencing dating abuse, visit Love Is Respect – https://www.loveisrespect.org to learn ways to offer support. If you believe your child is in immediate danger, contact local law enforcement right away.