Teen Dating Violence Prevention - Textual Harassment 30

1 in 4 teens in a relationship say they have been called names, harassed or put down by their partner through cell phones and texting.

Digital communication is an integral part of teens’ lives and this fairly unchartered digital space has created new challenges for teens as they start to experience intimate relationships. Unfortunately, dating abuse in the digital world is increasingly becoming a serious problem unique to the “millennial” generation of teens.

Cellphones and the internet have become prime environment for controlling behavior, such as sending unwanted text messages or pressuring for nude pictures, that can be abusive or lead to relationship violence.
In an effort to prevent teen dating abuse and help teens build healthy relationships, the Ad Council has partnered with the Family Violence Prevention Fund and the Office on Violence Against Women on a national, multimedia PSA campaign.

The new PSAs are designed to help teens recognize digital dating abuse and provide them with the tools to initiate a conversation about this issue. The PSAs direct teens to visit www.ThatsNotCool.com were they are encouraged to draw their own lines around what is, or is not, acceptable relationship behavior and seek help from their peers.