According to Loverespect.org, “nearly 1.5 million high school students have been a victim of physical abuse from dating every single year and 1 out of 10 students have been slapped, hit, or physically abused by their dating partner“. These statistics are alarming but there is something that you can do as a parent. If you don’t have a great relationship with your teenager, I highly suggest that you work on your relationship with them. Children who are confident aren’t afraid to open up to their parents and discuss things going on in their lives. Plus, if you are communicating with your teenager on a regular basis, it won’t take you long to figure out if something is bothering them or if they are being abused in any way. Today I wanted to share with you some tips so that you can talk to your teenager about abusive and unhealthy relationships.
Disclosure: This information is for informational purposed only. If you need additional help for your teenager, please seek help from a licensed counselor or professional. I received a copy of Erin Sulka’s book for the purpose of facilitating this review. All opinions are my own.
What Are Some Common Signs That Your Teenager is In a Abusive Relationship
Here are a few of the common signs and symptoms that your teenager or their friends are in an abusive relationship:
- Ask questions if you notice that your teenager is trying to hide scratches, bruises, or other physical injuries. They might try to wear a long sleeve shirt in the middle of the summer to cover up an injury on their arm.
- Isolates themselves from their friends or family members.
- Acts differently when their dating partner is around.
- Excessive text messages or phone calls from their significant other.
- Makes up excuses or apologizes for the dating partner’s behaviors.
- If their boyfriend or girlfriend is constantly trying to monitor their every move, constantly calls them, checks their phone and reads your child’s text messages, acts possessive and won’t allow them to talk to their friends/family, constantly checks their social media accounts, ect.
- Constantly accuses them of cheating, flirting, or talking to other people. Even if it is a platonic friendship with a friend of the opposite sex.
- Their date might even make threats of suicide if your child tries to break up with them.
