Study Finds, Almost Half of Dating Teenagers Have Experienced Stalking & Harassment

According to a study, 48% of 12- to 18-year-olds who describe themselves as having had a dating partner in the past year have also experienced dating-related stalking and harassment.

Not only can dating-related stalking and harassment cause anxiety and depression in teens, but it can also lead to serious forms of abuse should the relationship continue. Youths with dating experience were asked whether a dating partner had ever spied on or followed them, damaged something that belonged to them or gone through their online accounts. Nearly half – 48% – said that they had experienced one or more of these behaviors, while 43% said that they had done these things to someone who they were dating.

Disturbingly, these statistics suggest that surveilling or acting aggressively toward a crush or partner isn’t just common among U.S. teenagers. They may also think it’s normal or acceptable. Due to inexperience, adolescents may not recognize when they’re being treated poorly. And, because they’re still developing, they may not know how to handle a situation in which someone’s attention is overwhelming or scaring them. To Read More Click Here

Source: The Conversation