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Discussing the characteristics of healthy relationships with pre-teens and teenagers is becoming increasingly important.

In fact, studies show that dating abuse can start as early as middle school and that 10% of high school students report physical violence in their dating relationships. More alarmingly, 100% of those victimized through teen dating violence were reported to be in violent adult relationships five years later.

Intimate partner violence can have a significant negative impact on a victim’s physical, reproductive, and mental health, their academic achievement, and their ability to have healthy relationships outside of their abusive intimate relationship. [1]

A healthy teen relationship is one in which each person is respected, and there is honesty and trust between partners. Teen partners should be able to communicate with each other and feel safe and happy in the relationship.

Warning Signs That a Teenager Is Involved in an Unhealthy Relationship:

• Withdrawing from friends
• Fear of partner
• Changing attitudes and behaviors
• Physical altercations
• Controlling behavior
• Verbal insults

[1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2017). Teen Dating Violence.
[2] Indiana State Department of Health (2015). Youth Risk Behavior Survey.
[3] Child Trends (2015). Adolescents Who Have Ever Been Raped.

Visit these online resources for more information:

Am I in a Healthy Relationship? (TeensHealth)
Abusive Relationships (TeensHealth)

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