Digital Domestic Violence

Recognizing Digitally Abusive Relationships

For parents, when youth are in a digitally abusive relationship, it can be difficult to see the behaviors as they are hidden in texts and social media. For youth, it can be even more difficult to leave a relationship once they recognize it’s abusive. 

In today’s digital age, youth often communicate with their significant other via text, FaceTime, or Snapchat. Because of this, unhealthy relationships have taken on a new form. When we think of dating abuse, our mind often goes to physical or verbal abuse or violence. Today, unhealthy relationships can include sending excessive texts, demanding inappropriate images, using GPS tracking apps, and spying through fake social accounts.

Adults probably have conversations with their children about not engaging in certain activities, such as sending nudes. However, do adults talk to their children about not requesting nudes from others? Probably not as much. That’s why it’s important to have conversations about digital dating. 

Both in-school and at home, it’s necessary for adults to be aware of unhealthy relationship signs and what they can do to help youth in abusive relationships. 

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Use these resources on the resources page to help create knowledge with our youth. 

Ryan