Teach students the warning sign of dating violence early

There have been a lot of stories in the news lately about sexual harassment. Most of those stories have focused on issues in Hollywood and with public figures but violence and harassment happen regularly to teens as well. There are several signs that Counselors and parents can look for that can help teens recognize that they might be with an abusive person.

Some of those signs include:

• Some students romanticize jealousy and think that their partner smothering them is a loving thing. In many cases it is a sign that the relationship can become toxic.
• If their partner puts limits on what they can and can’t wear this can be a sign of a smothering relationship
• Do they put limits on who the student can and can’t be friends with?
• Do they tell them they can’t talk to anyone of the opposite sex (even long time friends)?
• Do they constantly text asking where they are, who they are with and what they are doing?
• Do they want passwords to all the students accounts and phone so they can see all their communications?

These alone don’t mean the person is prone to violence but they do show signs of insecurity and the possibility that the person who the student is dating is too controlling which can turn to violence. The main thing you as a Counselor can do is to be alert and make sure your students know they have someone they can talk to in school if they have an issue.