Addressing Teen Dating Violence: Concerning Trends in High Schools
By Jesse Kraft
As the Program Coordinator for the PowerBack Program, I have had the privilege of being able to speak with hundreds of high school students throughout the state of New Jersey. This has allowed me to get first-hand insight into the trends and common occurrences within high school relationships. Some worrying trends in high schools are that teens feel pressured to share their social media passwords, always share their location, and limit who they talk to because of their partners. These actions are clear signs of controlling and abusive relationships.
The Pressure to Share Passwords
Sharing passwords has become a misguided sign of trust in many teen relationships. What may start as a harmless gesture can quickly become a way for one partner to control the other. When teens feel forced to give their partners access to their social media accounts, they lose their privacy and freedom. This can lead to unhealthy situations where one partner watches and controls the other’s online activities, making them feel isolated.
Constant Location Sharing
“If my partner doesn’t want to share their location, isn’t that sketchy? “Doesn’t that mean they’re hiding something?”, these are a couple common questions we get dealing with the topic of location sharing. While sharing locations can be useful for safety, it becomes controlling when it is done out of possessiveness. This behavior can make teens feel trapped and always watched, taking away their sense of freedom. It creates a situation where fear of being accused of cheating or being unfaithful is more important than having personal space.
Limiting Social Interactions
Teens in controlling relationships often find themselves avoiding friends and social events to please their partners. This can mean ending friendships, missing social gatherings, and changing their behavior to avoid fights. Such isolation tactics are signs of emotional abuse, meant to make the victim more dependent on the abuser. The impact on a teen's social life and mental health can be serious, leading to feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and sadness.
Encouraging Open Dialogue
Creating a culture of open dialogue is crucial. Teens should feel comfortable talking about their relationships without fear of judgment. Schools can help by offering counseling services and support groups where students can share their experiences and get advice. Encouraging parents to talk with their teens about healthy relationships and digital boundaries is also important.
Conclusion
The trends of sharing passwords, constant location sharing, and limiting social interactions are concerning signs of teen dating violence that need immediate attention. By raising awareness, promoting education, and fostering open dialogue, schools can help teens understand the importance of maintaining their independence and personal boundaries in relationships. Addressing these issues directly is essential in ensuring that our teens grow up in environments that promote respect, trust, and mutual understanding.