Parents of teens and tweens may need more information about how to talk to youth about healthy relationships. This conversation can feel uncomfortable but is necessary. A recent study found that among college aged youth, 1 in 8 had experienced an unwanted sexual experience. This risk of being victimized was more common among women but happened to men as well.
As youth grow, it is common for them to experience feelings of attraction. This natural experience can be a perfect opportunity for parents and caregivers to discuss the difference between healthy and unhealthy relationships. Unfortunately, youth may see poor examples of dating behaviors in movies, in music videos, or when playing video games. Media and social media are not the best sources of information about how to treat others with respect in relationships. Poor examples like this could lead to youth having behaviors that cross others’ boundaries.
The earlier caregivers and other concerned adults begin talking about how to get along with others in relationships, the better. Even very young children can understand simple relationship guidelines. Young children can learn not to touch others without getting their permission. Also, youth can learn to consider others’ feelings about personal space. People set boundaries with words and body language. Young people can learn how to read non-verbal cues, that everyone has different boundaries, and how much space a person needs can change. Having healthy relationships with others depends on being able to recognize each other’s boundaries. These early conversations can become more detailed as children grow.
Parents and caregivers can talk with tweens and teens about the meaning of consent. An easy way to define consent is: asking for permission aloud when you want to do something sexual with someone and waiting for the other person’s clear, enthusiastic agreement. Consent is necessary online too so that no one crosses anyone else’s boundaries. Since texting means that we cannot see others’ body language, it is even more important than ever to make sure that another person’s boundaries are valued.
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, which can be a conversation starter with tweens and teens. As parents and caregivers, we can take this opportunity to have supportive conversations with youth about how to have healthy relationships based in respect and empathy.
Schools and other youth serving organizations can benefit from the Healthy Relationships Project ®, a curriculum to help communities decrease the chances of unwanted sexual experiences among youth.
Read more about https://www.pcavt.org/parents-corner-blog/2024/11/4/raising-children-with-healthy-boundariesraising children with healthy boundaries.
Learn about how to reduce risk for children and youth who use technology