(CBS) Tweens
and teens in dating relationships are experiencing significant levels of
various forms of abuse, many don't know the warning signs of an abusive
relationship, and many parents don't know what's going on in those
relationships, a new survey says.
Among the findings:
One-in-five 13-14 year olds in relationships (20 percent) say they know friends and peers who've been struck in anger (kicked, hit, slapped, or punched) by a boyfriend or girlfriend.
69 percent of all teens who had sex by age 14 said they have gone through one or more types of abuse in a relationship.
Only half of all tweens (51 percent) claim to know the warning signs of a bad/hurtful relationship.
Concerned by the trend
toward abusive tween and teen dating, the National Association of Attorneys
General passed a resolution urging states to establish educational programs on
teen dating violence and abuse.
Learn more...
I think these numbers show us that prevention work needs to start earlier. The quesitons is how do we get schools and other child based organizations to allow that to happen?
Posted by: Nikki | October 28, 2008 at 10:14 AM
Jan,
The teens that I have in Teen Support Group have been very open/honest about their
own personal relationships as well as those of their friends. Yes, the issues of abuse on teens and tweens is real and gaining strength. I feeel from the teens "feedback' for a solution, is :
1. Parent awareness (they tell me their parents don't keep up with them),
2. Parenting classes for all parents with children of all ages, yes especially the teens.
3. Make public notices for "Awareness of Teen Activity Seminars" available all over the state, in every city, make it a priority now, and don't wait until legislatures has to pass a law, do it now.
4. Our Teens say they feel they are in crisis mode most of the time. They don't take to adults about their issues, because they don't trust police, or other adults...
5. These are just some of the conversations I've had with my teens from The TAPP Program /HelpNow Outreach.
Sincerely concerned,
Charlotte
Posted by: Charlotte | November 03, 2008 at 12:24 PM
Yes, all parents/kids should receive open education on this topic. Long before dating. Even if they are not allowed to date until they are eighteen. Which I know might sound extreme, but honestly, it's safe and secure and quite normal to set that limit, once adults begin to set that expectation.
Posted by: Isle Dance | November 06, 2008 at 07:30 PM