02/25/2026
February is Teen Dating Violence Prevention Month — and prevention starts long before the teenage years. 💜
Nearly 1 in 5 girls and 1 in 7 boys experience dating violence before they graduate high school, and most never tell a parent or trusted adult.
What experts in adolescent health emphasize is this: the strongest protection is a connected, communicative relationship at home.
What parents can do early:
• Start talking about respect, boundaries, and consent in elementary and middle school — not when dating begins
• Model healthy relationships in your own interactions
• Teach that kindness, safety, and mutual respect matter more than popularity or being in a relationship
• Keep open, judgment-free conversations about friendships, social media, and peer pressure
• Know your child’s friends and their families
The American Academy of Pediatrics encourages ongoing, age-appropriate conversations — not one “big talk.” These discussions should grow with your child and include both online and in-person relationships. 🩺
When teens feel they can talk to their parents without fear of losing their phone, getting in trouble, or being told to “just break up,” they are significantly more likely to ask for help.
Warning signs parents should not ignore:
• Sudden isolation from friends or activities
• Noticeable changes in mood, sleep, or grades
• A partner who is controlling, constantly texting, or monitoring them
The goal is not to introduce fear — it is to build confidence, self-worth, and the ability to recognize what a healthy relationship looks like. ❤️
If you’re not sure how to start these conversations, your pediatrician can help guide them in a developmentally appropriate way.
🩺Sandy Springs Pediatrics
📞404-252-4611
https://bit.ly/SandySpringsPediatrics
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