Healthy relationships … that’s the move!

By TAMI WANNINGER
Prevail, Inc.

When I think back to my teenage years in the 1980s, dating looked very different. If someone wanted to talk to you, they had to call your house phone and hope a parent didn’t answer first.

Notes were passed in hallways. When the school day ended, so did most of the communication.

Today, teens live in a completely different world.

Technology has changed how young people connect, form relationships, and unfortunately, how control and abuse can occur. As a mother, I understand how challenging it can be to parent through these situations that did not exist when we were growing up. Texting, social media, location sharing, and constant access does not stop at the school doors. They can follow teens home and into every hour of the day.

Teen dating violence today often doesn’t look like what many of us remember. It may show up as:

• Pressure to constantly text or respond immediately
• Request for passwords or access to social media
• Monitoring locations or who someone is spending time with
• Public shaming, threats, or manipulation online

At Prevail, we know it can be confusing for families.

As parents and caregivers, it’s easy to feel unsure, but the good news is that you do not need to have all the answers. What matters most is connection. Talking openly about healthy relationships, listening without judgement, and reminding teens they can always come to a trusted adult when something does not feel right, can have a powerful impact.

Love should never feel controlling, isolating, or scary.

One thing hasn’t changed since the ‘80s is that teens want to feel seen, valued, and understood. When teens know the adults in their lives are paying attention, they are more likely to reach out when something doesn’t feel right.

This Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (TDVAM), we invite you to reflect, learn, and start the conversation. Together, we can help young people build relationships rooted in respect and safety ensuring they don’t have to navigate today’s challenges alone. Click here to access Prevail’s TDVAM Toolkit.

Wear Orange Day
Tuesday, Feb. 10

What is #WearOrangeDay?

It is an annual effort every year during TDVAM to show solidarity and raise awareness about dating violence by dressing in orange.

We encourage you to share pictures on your socials using #WearOrangeDay and tag us @prevail.inc. In doing so, you’re helping us spread the message that everyone deserves a healthy relationship!

Thank you for standing with Prevail and for helping us create safer futures for teens and families in our community. Healthy relationships … that’s the move!

Tami Wanninger serves as the Executive Director of Prevail, Inc.