February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. Some may think that dating violence is only prevalent in college or adulthood, but statistically, one in three teens will experience some type of abuse from someone they are in a relationship with before becoming adults. Another staggering statistic is that Indiana ranks 3 out of 30 states in terms of high school students who report sexual dating violence according to the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance of 2015. According to the CDC, teen dating violence includes four types of behaviors: physical violence, sexual violence, psychological aggression, and stalking. For more information regarding teen dating violence, you can visit www.loveisrespect.org or https://dvnconnect.org. You can also check out this Helpers Action Guide for information about how to help someone who has or is experiencing dating violence.
As part of the health curriculum for 8th graders at Logansport Junior High, students learn about developing positive relationships and dating in the LifeSmart Youth's CARE™ program, which stands for "Communicating and Respecting Each Other." For four classes, students learn how to communicate effectively in romantic relationships. The topics covered include healthy relationships, consent, sexual harassment, and healthy communication. The emphasis is placed on empowerment for teenagers to make good choices when it comes to choosing someone to date. For more information about the LifeSmart Youth's CARE™ program, you can visit https://lifesmartyouth.org/programs/healthy-relationships.
Through the LifeSmart Youth's CARE™ program, the goal is to spark conversation in the classroom, but more importantly, to encourage students and parents/guardians to have open discussions at home regarding expectations, boundaries, and dating. Parents and guardians play a pivotal role in a student's ability to develop positive, healthy relationships. Here are a couple of actions that you could take to assist us with educating about building healthy relationships:
1. Have consistent discussions with your teen regarding both their peer and dating relationships.
2. Establish values, boundaries, and expectations to develop a sense of trust and understanding with your teen.
3. Ask about what they are learning in the CPR program. During CPR week, your teen should be bringing home a booklet every day. Check the booklet and talk with your teen.
4. Encourage your teen to be abstinent with the understanding that abstinence is the only sure way to prevent unwanted teen pregnancy and contraction of STDs and STIs.
5. Develop a positive, safe family environment for your teen. Students learn from their environment, and if you are in a committed, healthy, and safe relationship, your teen will be more likely to make good choices in their relationships.
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