I was reminded today of a very serious problem facing our youth. As our children near an age where they may start dating it is imperative we as parents start talking to them not only about sexuality, sexually transmitted diseases, and teen pregnancy, but also about other dangers such as verbal, emotional, and physical abuse that can occur within these relationships. It is important that they are informed and educated about what each of these factors of abuse are and how they can manifest themselves. Many teens are flattered by someone who is pursing them in an aggressive manner. They are impressed by someone who want to be with them or know where they are every second of every day, believing they are just showing how much they truly care about them. Not considering they may be over possessive or capable of teen violence, and hurting them.
In an article posted in the New York Times today they cover a story about a girl who got involved in a relationship where her boyfriend was possessive from the start but it wasn't until she broke up with him she found out just how dangerous her relationship with him was. She went to get some things from his apartment and was murdered by her ex-boyfriend. Because of their experience her family has been able to get a law passed in Rhode Island, called the Lindsey Law, that will require all schools 7-12 grades to start educating teens on the dangers of teen dating abuse.
Just today her parents also launched a new campaign called MADE (Mothers and Dads for Education, to Stop Teen Dating Abuse) requiring schools in every state to require this same "Love is Not Abuse"curriculum within their middle and high schools.
We need to teach all of our youth male and female alike of the dangers and warning signs of abuse. As parents we need be involved in their lives and educate our selves on the warning signs, what to do if we suspect any form of abuse, and where we can go for help.
I for one would love to see this curriculum be as mandatory and along side sex education. We as parents can certainly do our share to educate our children of the dangers, teach them how to treat others, and watch for any warning signs of abuse. However, we all know teens do not always listen to or are open with their parents in such sensitive issues so I think it is a great idea for our educators to get involved as well so they are hearing it from more than one source.
