How to Recognize Signs of Teen Dating Violence

Your teenager's first romantic relationships can involve a roller coaster of emotions for the both of you. But the turmoil of young relationships can include abusive behaviors. In a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention survey, just under 10 percent of high school students reported being physically harmed by a boyfriend or girlfriend. As abuse can take place in many forms, you will need to look out for signs of control, fear or isolation to find potentially abusive behaviors. While not every possible sign of abuse is a certain indicator, if you see more than a few "red flags," your teen may need help.

Instructions

    • 1

      Talk with your teen's teachers about her conduct and progress in school. Your teen's teachers may see how your teen and her girlfriend interact, and will see signs of difficulty with schoolwork well before it shows up on a report card.

    • 2

      Check in with your teen regularly, to find out whom he spends most of his time with. Abusers tend to isolate their victims, so if your teen's social circle is shrinking, this may be a sign that he is being alienated from his friends.

    • 3

      Observe your teen with her boyfriend. If your teen seems fearful or withdrawn, this may be a sign of trouble. If your teen's boyfriend makes insulting jokes or seems focused on violence, this may be a sign of abuse.

    • 4

      Look out for long, loose clothing, especially if seasonally inappropriate. This can hide injuries, or be a sign that your teen's clothing choices are being controlled by his boyfriend.

    • 5

      Check your teen's mobile phone usage by viewing the phone usage statement that comes with the bill. Constant calls and texts are one method of maintaining control.

    • 6

      Observe your teen for signs of fear if she misses a call or is late in meeting her girlfriend. While some anxiety might be normal, your teen should never fear missing her girlfriend's calls or texts, or being slightly late for a date.

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