Teen dating violence is an alarming but often overlooked issue. While parents focus on academic success and extracurricular activities, helping teens develop healthy relationship skills is just as crucial.

According to a Chapman University study, two out of three Orange County teens have experienced an abusive relationship before turning 18—double the national average. Many young people don’t recognize they’re in an unhealthy relationship until the abuse escalates.

As teens spend more time online and on social media, digital abuse and online coercion have become major concerns in teen dating. Parents must adopt proactive strategies to identify warning signs, initiate meaningful discussions, and safeguard their children from relationship abuse, both online and offline.