My Teenager is Experiencing Dating Violence
Talking about love and/or sexuality with your teen may seem awkward to some parents, but it is a crucial step in supporting them towards healthy and respectful romantic relationships. How to react if your teen is being pressured in their relationship? How can you help them set boundaries and make informed choices?
In collaboration with Sprax.
Consent: A Non-Negotiable Foundation
First and foremost, remind your teen that consent is the basis of any intimate interaction. No one has the right to force them to do anything they don't want to do – whether it's a sexual act or having to show their texts or wear a certain outfit.
If your teen feels pressured in their relationship, they need to know that it's possible to talk about it (with you, another trusted adult, or resources you can share with them) and especially that it's important to refuse a situation that makes them uncomfortable.
Recognizing and Breaking the Silence around Violence
Dating violence is not limited to physical assault. Psychological violence, often more insidious, is just as destructive. Help your teen recognize the signs: constant criticism, humiliation, isolation, excessive control, threats...
Stress that they deserve respect and that no form of violence is acceptable, whether it is physical, sexual or psychological.
💡We discuss love addiction in this article.
Encouraging Communication and Listening
Leave the door open to communication: show your teen that you are listening without judgment.
If your teen confides in you, listen carefully to their concerns and feelings without minimizing their experience. Share your own values and experiences if it seems relevant, but let them go at their own pace. Avoid imposing opinions and behaviors: even if your teen is not ready to leave a relationship, it is better that they feel comfortable continuing to talk to you about it, and not that they remain silent for fear of reprisals.
💡Our advice on how to communicate with your teenager.
Finding Support and Resources
Your teen is not alone: there are many resources available to help them through this time. Sexual assault centres, helplines like Tel-jeunes, psychologists... Don't hesitate to find out more and support your teenager in their efforts if they need external support.
By being a good listener and addressing these sensitive topics with openness and kindness, you are giving your teen the keys to building healthy and fulfilling relationships.
For information and tools, visit the Sparx website.
💡And if you also need advice and support, the Tel-jeunes Parents professional intervention team is there for you, 7 days a week.
