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February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, and teen and adolescent expert Daphne King, an assistant professor of social work at George Mason University, shares warning signs of dating violence and what they can do if they find themselves in an abusive relationship.
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Common signs of teen dating violence, like adult intimate partner violence, are manipulation, physical violence, and emotional abuse. Electronic or online dating violence is characterized by excessive social media monitoring, forced device sharing, and online harassment.
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If you or someone you know is experiencing dating violence, speak to a trusted individual and visit loveisrespect.org, www.breakthecycle.org, or https://youth.gov for support resources.
According to national data, 20% of teens will experience physical, sexual, or emotional abuse from someone they are dating before adulthood. Teen dating violence includes physical violence, sexual violence, psychological or emotional abuse, stalking, and digital abuse, and it can happen in-person or online.
Research consistently shows that some teen populations experience higher rates of dating violence. Teens in high-poverty schools, LGBTQ+ youth, teens experiencing discrimination, immigrant youth, homeless youth, and teens exposed to violence at home or in their communities are at higher risk for both victimization and perpetration. Dating violence in youth is also closely connected to mental health challenges, substance use, and suicidal thoughts, making early identification and intervention critical.
Teen and adolescent mental health expert Daphne King wants to use Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (February) to raise awareness and share warning signs.
10 warning signs of teen dating violence
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Using insults, intimidation, or humiliation
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Extreme jealousy, insecurity, or controlling behavior
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Isolation from friends and family
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Unwanted sexual contact of any kind
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Explosive temper or unusual moodiness
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Constantly monitoring social media activities or location
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Invasions of privacy; showing up unannounced
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Leaving unwanted items, gifts, or flowers
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Abusing alcohol or drugs
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Threatening or causing physical violence; scratches, bruises
While there are some similarities between adult intimate partner violence and teen dating violence, one difference is that teen dating violence can occur electronically more frequently than adult dating violence. Knowing and understanding the warning signs for harmful dating behavior is important for teens and the adults in their lives. For teens, relationships sometimes develop through technology and social media, such as Instagram. Electronic or online dating violence is electronic aggression specifically within teen dating violence relationships. Online abuse is common and often occurs in conjunction with in-person abuse.
5 warning signs of online teen dating violence
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Excessive jealousy or distrust, especially monitoring likes, followers, or comments
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Pressure to share passwords, phone access, or account information
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Constant checking of your location or messages
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Sexting pressure, including being asked to send nude or sexual images
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Public shaming or harassment online, including posting humiliating content or rumors
Why teen dating violence matters
Teen dating violence can have long-lasting effects on physical health, mental health, and future relationships. Youth who experience dating violence are at higher risk for:
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Depression and anxiety
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Suicidal thoughts or attempts
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Substance use
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Academic struggles
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Future unhealthy or abusive relationships
What teens can do
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Trust your instincts, your discomfort is a signal
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Talk to a trusted adult, friend, counselor, or advocate
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Set boundaries
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If you or someone you know is in danger, seek immediate help from a trusted adult
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Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline
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Visit loveisrespect.org, www.breakthecycle.org, youth.gov, www.techsafety.org, or takeitdown.ncmec.org (helps remove explicit images) for support, information, and help.
Remember: Healthy relationships are built on respect, trust, and consent!
Learn more about Teen Dating Violence from King’s other tip sheets:
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MEDIA INQUIRIES: For reporters who wish to speak to Daphne King about teen dating violence, please email media contact Michelle Thompson at mthomp7@gmu.edu.
Daphne King is an assistant professor and Master of Social Work online program director in the Social Work Department of George Mason University’s College of Public Health. King’s research interests are self-esteem issues in teens and adolescents, mental health concerns and treatment modalities for women of color, specifically African American women, and the impact engagement in Christianity or spiritual practices have on self-esteem. King is an expert in treating teens and adolescents with self-esteem issues and depression and has facilitated numerous clinical and psychoeducational groups on self-esteem issues for teens.
About George Mason University
George Mason University is Virginia’s largest public research university. Located near Washington, D.C., Mason enrolls more than 40,000 students from 130 countries and all 50 states. Mason has grown rapidly over the past half-century and is recognized for its innovation and entrepreneurship, remarkable diversity, and commitment to accessibility. In 2023, the university launched Mason Now: Power the Possible, a one-billion-dollar comprehensive campaign to support student success, research, innovation, community, and stewardship. Learn more at gmu.edu.
About College of Public Health at George Mason University
The College of Public Health at George Mason University is the first College of Public Health in Virginia and a national leader in inclusive, interprofessional, public health research, education, and practice. The college is comprised of public health disciplines, health administration and policy, informatics, nursing, nutrition, and social work. The college offers a distinct array of degrees to support research and training of professionals dedicated to ensuring health and well-being for all. The college’s transdisciplinary research seeks to understand the many factors that influence the public’s health and well-being throughout the lifespan.