Teen dating violence is more common than one may think

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- Each February, young adults across the nation raise awareness about the issue of teen dating violence.

Teen dating violence is a pattern of abuse against teenagers who are dating. This includes threats to the victims and abuse through verbal, emotional, physical, sexual, and digital forms. This affects millions of young people across the nation.

Teens involved in unhealthy or abusive relationships are more likely to suffer consequences in the future such as depression, anger, anxiety, alcoholism, and more.

One in three teenagers in a relationship admits to being in an unhealthy relationship.

Senate bill-9 requires schools beginning in the 2022-23 school year to educate students on dating violence, family violence, and child abuse. This instruction must be given at least once in middle school and again in high school. Districts are to provide education on the dangers of dating violence and resources available to students. Schools in Texas are mandated to have this for their students before the school year ends. However, Students are required to receive parental approval to participate.

Unhealthy relationships can start early and last a lifetime. The excellent news is violence is preventable, and we can all help young people grow up violence-free.