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\nParents play an important role in teaching kids about healthy relationships.
\nUnfortunately, many teens are in relationships that are unhealthy. About 1 in 10 teens who have been on a date have also been:
\nThe good news is, you can help your teen develop strong, respectful relationships. Start by talking with your child about how to:
\nTalking about healthy relationships is a great way to show that you're available to listen and answer questions. Together, you can agree on clear rules about dating to help keep your teen safe.
\nKids learn about relationships from the adults around them. When you taught your child to say \u201cplease\u201d and \u201cthank you\u201d as a toddler, you were teaching respect and kindness.
\nYour own relationships also teach your kids how to treat others. When you treat your family, partner, and friends in healthy and supportive ways, your kids learn from your choices.
\nChildren learn from unhealthy experiences, too. If they experience violence at home or in the community, they're more likely to be in unhealthy relationships later on.
\nIt\u2019s best to start talking about healthy relationships before your child starts dating. Start conversations about what to look for in a romantic partner. For example, you could ask your child:
\nIn a healthy relationship:
\nIn an unhealthy relationship:
\nTeens may think it\u2019s okay to act in these ways, but these behaviors can develop into violence. If you see any of these signs, talk to your teen.
\nDating violence is when one person in a romantic relationship is physically or emotionally harmful to the other person. It can happen in any relationship, whether it\u2019s an opposite-sex (straight) or same-sex (gay) relationship.
\nDating violence can include:
\nDating violence can happen in person, online, or with other technology (like cell phones). It can also keep happening after the relationship has ended. Find out more about teen dating violence.
\nBoth boys and girls can experience unhealthy or unsafe relationships. Sometimes both partners act in unhealthy or unsafe ways, but using violence is never okay. It\u2019s important to talk to all kids about how to have respectful, healthy relationships.
\nDating violence can happen to anyone. Teens may be more at risk of being in unhealthy relationships if they:
\nIt\u2019s common for teens to have mood swings, but sudden changes in your teen\u2019s attitude or behavior could mean there's something more serious going on. If you're worried, talk to your teen to find out more.
\nShow your teen this fact sheet about healthy and unhealthy relationships [PDF - 681 KB].
\nIf your teen is in a relationship with someone who is violent, your teen may:
\nTeens who use physical, emotional, or sexual violence to control their partners need help to stop. Start a conversation if your teen:
\nDating violence can have long-term effects for both partners \u2014 even after the relationship ends. The good news is, teaching your teen about healthy relationships can help prevent these negative effects.
\nSomeone who has experienced dating violence may struggle with:
\nA partner who has been violent may experience:
\nYou can help prevent these long-term effects of dating violence by helping your teen develop the skills for healthy relationships. Watch for signs of dating violence and help your teen stay healthy now and in the future.
\nTalk with your kids to help them develop realistic and healthy expectations for relationships.
\nHelp your teen think about healthy relationships by asking how he would handle different situations. For example, you might ask, \u201cWhat would you do if:
\nIt may help to use examples from TV shows, movies, or songs to start the conversation.
\nListen respectfully to your teen\u2019s answer, even if you don\u2019t agree. Then you can offer your opinion and explore other options together. Use these tips to start a conversation with your teen.
\nIt's also a good idea to talk with your teen about what she can do if a friend is in an unhealthy relationship. Suggest that your teen talk to you or another adult, like a school counselor, if she notices signs of dating violence.
\nAs kids get older, they gain more independence. But teens still need parents to set boundaries and expectations for behavior. Get tips on setting rules for your teen [PDF - 175 MB].
\nHere are some examples of rules to talk about with your teen:
\nTreat your kids and others with respect. As you talk with your teen about healthy relationships, think about your own behavior. Does it match the values you're talking about?
\nTreating your kids with respect also helps you build stronger relationships with them. This can make it easier to communicate with your teen about important issues like healthy relationships.
\nTo learn more about building stronger relationships with your child, check out these resources:
\n \nTeens who have sex with more than one person are at higher risk of being in an unhealthy relationship. Talk with your teen about your values and expectations.
\nAbout half of all STD cases in the United States happen in teens and young adults ages 15 to 24. Learn how to talk with your teen about STD prevention.
\nAlcohol and drugs don\u2019t cause violence or unhealthy relationships, but they can make it harder to make healthy choices. Talk to your kids about the dangers of alcohol and drugs.
\nIf you think your teen\u2019s relationship might be violent, take these steps:
\nIf you're worried about your teen\u2019s safety, there are people who can help.
\nLoveisrespect is an organization that offers support and information for teens and their parents or friends who have concerns about dating relationships. To get in touch with a trained peer advocate, you can:
\nYou can also contact your state\u2019s domestic violence coalition to find resources near you.
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