As concerns about teen relationships continue to rise, experts are highlighting the subtle signs that may indicate a teen is in an unhealthy or abusive relationship.
KPRC 2 reporter ReChelle Turner interviewed representatives from the non-profit organization The Bridge Over Troubled Water to discuss key signs that can help parents identify if their child is in an unhealthy relationship.
Olivia Rivers, CEO of The Bridge Over Troubled Water in Pasadena, emphasized that the organization provides numerous resources for those in need.
“The Bridge is a domestic violence and rape crisis center dedicated to offering support and services to individuals escaping abusive situations, including stalking, human trafficking, and child abuse,” Rivers explained.
According to the CDC, one in 12 high school students has experienced physical dating or sexual dating violence.
SEE MORE: Do you or a loved one need help? Free domestic violence resources in the Houston area
Rivers emphasized the subtle signs that may indicate a teen is in an abusive relationship, noting how what may seem harmless can actually be a red flag.
“What we notice with our young people is when we think they may be in an abusive relationship, they spend a lot of time trying to stay in communication and stay connected with their abuser and sometimes we see things in the media such as, ‘Oh, my boyfriend or my partner picks out my clothing in the morning.’ Sometimes teenagers think that’s cute when in reality, that shows compulsion, power and control,” Rivers said.
Highlighting the potential dangers of digital communication, Rivers explained how technology can contribute to unhealthy dynamics in teen relationships
“Sometimes, our youth use the phone for good, but sometimes they are used to manipulate them. A partner is asking their boyfriend or girlfriend to turn on their tracking location to let them know where they are or just using social media as a tool to stay in touch with them and communicate 24 hours a day can be something that causes harm in that relationship and makes a teen feel like they always have to check in with their partner,” Rivers said.
READ MORE: 3 signs that your teenager may be in an unhealthy relationship
Discussing the connection between relationships and body image issues, Rivers emphasized the importance of parental awareness and monitoring.
“With our young ladies, we see a lot of eating disorders, especially in the media, with their partners telling them to lose weight or to look like this type of model, and so, there’s definitely a lot of signs but one thing we always encourage our parents to do is to just check their phones know where they are and some safety devices implemented so that they can be aware and monitor their children’s activities,” Rivers said.
An interview is scheduled to stream tomorrow at 7:15 a.m. on KPRC 2+, focusing on relationship warning signs and red flags for teens. The segment will highlight the story of a local survivor and advocate of sexual assault and teen dating violence.
Do you know someone in need of help? KPRC 2 released the following features in “Breaking Free.”
Help is also available immediately if you need it through the following numbers:
- Houston Area Women’s Center: (713) 528-2121
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: (800) 799−7233
- If you are in immediate danger, call 911.