Teen dating violence can be harder to spot since it’s often mistaken for “normal” teen behavior or drama. But it isn’t just young love and hormones — there’s a serious risk when patterns of control and aggression show up in a relationship.
Teens often don’t recognize these red flags themselves, making early awareness important.
Here are common red flags specific to teen dating violence:
- Over-dependence on social media: Constantly needing to “check-in” or track each other’s social media activity, leading to jealousy or control issues.
- Cyberbullying: Posting hurtful comments, embarrassing photos, or threats to expose private information.
- Extreme jealousy: Getting angry when you spend time with friends or other people, claiming you’re “cheating.”
- Threats of self-harm: Saying they’ll hurt themselves if you break up with them or don’t comply with their demands.
- Pressure to engage in sexual activities: Using guilt, peer pressure, or manipulation to force intimacy.
- Isolation from friends and family: Trying to monopolize your time and discourage you from hanging out with anyone else.
- Physical aggression: Hitting, slapping, or pushing, even if it’s framed as “playing around” or “just joking.”
