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Faizan
Falling in love can be a blissful experience for teenagers, but also a danger to their mental and physical health. More than 10 percent of dating teenagers will find themselves facing abuse from a partner. Though all may appear well in your teenager's relationship, keeping an eye out for problems could have a long-term positive effect.
Physical Abuse
Parents may not know that a relationship has become physically abusive until they see unexplained bruises, marks or broken bones. An abusive partner may hit, punch or kick your son, or threaten to hurt your son, those around him or herself, according to KidsHealth. Teenagers in these situations may express unfounded guilt and embarrassment. If you suspect that your daughter's relationship is physically abusive, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline for ways you can help.
Emotional Abuse
Your daughter's boyfriend calls her names, insults her family members and friends, wants to know her hourly whereabouts, and calls frequently to double check. These behaviors are common in emotional abuse. About one out of every three teenagers in a relationship has also received at least 10 text messages per hour from a partner wanting to know where they are, according to the New York University Langone Medical Center. Though this form of abuse may not be obvious to parents, warning signs exist. Withdrawal from family and friends, secrecy, loss of interest in hobbies and activities or an obvious mood change when a partner is around should be noted, according to HealthyChildren.org, the official website of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Unhealthy Effects
Even if the romance is not abusive, a teen may become so wrapped up in the romance that it can affect friendships with others or grades at school, according to KidsHealth. Your son may drop out of activities at school or partner who does drugs or drinks alcohol may influence him negatively. Others may feel pressured into sex too soon.
Additional Information
Though it can be uncomfortable, find a peaceful time to raise your concerns with your son. You should not criticize his partner during the conversation, according to HealthyChildren.org. Instead, you might say, "I saw that Julie calls you several times a day, and you seem unhappy. If you want to talk about it, I'm here whenever you need me." If your son wishes not to talk, give him time to come to you on his own. You can also encourage your son to talk to his teachers, a school counselor or another trusted adult if he needs someone to confide in.
Physical Abuse
Parents may not know that a relationship has become physically abusive until they see unexplained bruises, marks or broken bones. An abusive partner may hit, punch or kick your son, or threaten to hurt your son, those around him or herself, according to KidsHealth. Teenagers in these situations may express unfounded guilt and embarrassment. If you suspect that your daughter's relationship is physically abusive, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline for ways you can help.
Emotional Abuse
Your daughter's boyfriend calls her names, insults her family members and friends, wants to know her hourly whereabouts, and calls frequently to double check. These behaviors are common in emotional abuse. About one out of every three teenagers in a relationship has also received at least 10 text messages per hour from a partner wanting to know where they are, according to the New York University Langone Medical Center. Though this form of abuse may not be obvious to parents, warning signs exist. Withdrawal from family and friends, secrecy, loss of interest in hobbies and activities or an obvious mood change when a partner is around should be noted, according to HealthyChildren.org, the official website of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Unhealthy Effects
Even if the romance is not abusive, a teen may become so wrapped up in the romance that it can affect friendships with others or grades at school, according to KidsHealth. Your son may drop out of activities at school or partner who does drugs or drinks alcohol may influence him negatively. Others may feel pressured into sex too soon.
Additional Information
Though it can be uncomfortable, find a peaceful time to raise your concerns with your son. You should not criticize his partner during the conversation, according to HealthyChildren.org. Instead, you might say, "I saw that Julie calls you several times a day, and you seem unhappy. If you want to talk about it, I'm here whenever you need me." If your son wishes not to talk, give him time to come to you on his own. You can also encourage your son to talk to his teachers, a school counselor or another trusted adult if he needs someone to confide in.
Posted in: Teen Dating
