For many teens, dating is an exciting part of growing up. It’s a chance to learn about relationships, communication, and personal boundaries. However, not all teen relationships are healthy, and recognizing this early can make a big difference in their well-being. As a parent or caregiver, you play a key role in teaching your teen what a healthy relationship looks like and how to protect themselves if something feels wrong.

The statistics around teen dating violence are eye-opening. According to the CDC, one in twelve teens in the U.S. experiences some form of physical, emotional, sexual, or verbal abuse in their relationships. This February, during Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, raising awareness about this issue can help empower teens to build positive connections and seek help when needed.

Let’s explore what healthy relationships should look like, the warning signs of unhealthy behaviors, and how you can support your teen during this formative time in their lives.

Teens Dating WFMC Health

What Does a Healthy Relationship Look Like?

Healthy relationships are most often built on the foundations of mutual respect, trust, and honest communication. These principles help ensure both partners feel safe and valued. Encourage your teen to reflect on these aspects in their own relationships and to notice whether they are being reciprocated. A healthy relationship also encourages personal growth rather than control or dependency.

  • Mutual Respect: Both people in the relationship value each other’s boundaries, opinions, and feelings.
  • Open and Honest Communication: Partners feel safe discussing their thoughts and emotions without fear of judgment.
  • Support: Each person encourages the other to pursue their goals and interests.

Warning Signs of an Unhealthy Relationship

In contrast to a healthy relationship, understanding the warning signs of an unhealthy relationship is crucial for teens to recognize when something isn’t right. These signs may start subtly and grow worse over time, making it even more essential to recognize potential red flags early. Explain to your teen that their instincts matter, and if something feels off, it’s worth paying attention to.

  • Control: One partner tries to dictate how the other behaves, including what they wear or who they see.
  • Jealousy or Possessiveness: Frequent attempts to isolate one’s partner from their other friends or family.
  • Untruthful or Judgmental Communication: Communication between partners is unsafe, untrue, or full of judgment.
  • Pressure: Feeling forced to do things they’re uncomfortable with, whether it’s physical, emotional, or social.

How to Support Your Teen

Helping your teen navigate relationships can be challenging—especially if they don’t seem to want your help—but your support and guidance can make all the difference. Approach these conversations with curiosity and an open mind rather than judgment. Your teen is more likely to confide in you if they feel heard and respected.

  • Start Conversations Early: Talk openly about relationships, boundaries, and respect.
  • Model Healthy Behaviors: Show what respectful, loving relationships look like in your own life.
  • Offer Resources: Share helplines or websites, like loveisrespect.org, where they can learn more or seek help.

Encouraging these conversations and offering your support can help your teen navigate early relationships and develop positive relationship skills that can last for their lifetime.

This article is meant for informational purposes only. If you have questions or would like further information, make an appointment with your primary care provider.

This blog post was first published on WFMCHealth.org.