According to an estimate, one in three teen girls is a victim of physical, verbal or emotional abuse from a dating partner. One in four teen girls in a relationship says she has been threatened with violence or experienced verbal abuse, and 13 percent of teens say they were physically hurt on purpose by a boyfriend or girlfriend. 45% of teens know a friend who has been forced to have an intercourse or oral sex. Experts at Youth Village suggest that there is a dark side to teen dating. It is a topic that makes parents shudder but they can use Valentine’s Day to start a conversation about a safe Valentine’s Day date.

One in every five teen girls in America has shared a nude or semi-nude photo or video of themselves. Technology has promoted improper and often illegal teen behavior. Teens can be harassed or ridiculed or can be the tormentor.

What do parents do?

As children become teens, it becomes more important than ever to know who their friends are. At this time of a person’s life, what peers think and say is a teen’s top influence. Teens value their friends the most and it is crucial for you to know them. You may have to intervene to reduce your teen’s relationship with a peer who you think is having a negative influence on them. It is very hard to do as teens tend to stick to their friends throughout their adolescence and early twenties.

Talk about family expectations and values

It is never too early to talk to your teen about your family’s unique values and expectations. You can start talking about dating as early as 9 or 10 but don’t make it any later than 12. Make sure that your child knows about their family values and expectations. Always be on the lookout for ‘teaching moments’. It can be a piece of news about a congressman resigning because of some provocative pictures that leaked out or some other incident. Make sure that you review these values often.

It can get very uncomfortable but take a deep breath and talk to your teen about sexual situations they might encounter. Tell them they have a right to say no to sex if they don’t feel like it. Talk to them about what they should do if they feel pressured.

Check your teen’s cell phone and computer periodically to check the content and tone of sent and received texts.

Parents beware

Always look out for toxic teen relationships. Like adult relationships, adolescent relationships also include harassment, physical or emotional abuse, teen dating violence and stalking. Parents have to keep watch constantly. Look for signs that can be dangerous potentially like a change in eating or sleeping habits, a sudden drop in the grades or obsession about what a girlfriend or boyfriend thinks.

Why is it important to start early?

Teenage is an important phase of a child’s life. You need to be a part of it. They are taking their first steps toward adulthood and they need your help and support through the entire journey.