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Youth increasingly develop their relationships and social networks through technology and interacting through online platforms. While social media has opened opportunities for positive connections, it can also be harmful to youth relationships. Electronic or online teen dating violence (TDV) is the occurrence of electronic aggression specifically within teen dating violence relationships.
TDV commonly occurs electronically, because teens are more likely to utilize online platforms for socialization. Experts know perpetrators of online TDV use platforms such as social media to harass, intimidate, spread lies, or non-consensually share information about the victim.
TDV, like adult intimate partner violence (IPV), includes physical and sexual violence, psychological aggression, and stalking. Abuse of this nature, online or in-person, can lead to antisocial behaviors and symptoms of depression, anxiety, suicide attempts, substance abuse, and future unhealthy relationships.
George Mason University researcher Daphne King, EdD, assistant professor in the Department of Social Work, wants to use Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (February) to continue bringing awareness to TDV in young people and protect teens against its dangers.
4 warning signs of online teen dating violence
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Distrust and jealousy in the form of monitoring the actions of a partner on social media
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Having to share passwords/account information
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Sexting (sharing nude or compromising photo via text messaging or social media platforms)
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Threats via digital platforms
Additional warning signs of teen dating violence
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Using insults, intimidation, or humiliation
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Extreme jealousy, insecurity, or controlling behavior
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Isolation from friends and family
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Unwanted sexual contact of any kind
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Explosive temper or unusual moodiness
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Invasions of privacy; showing up unannounced
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Leaving unwanted items, gifts, or flowers
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Abusing alcohol or drugs
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Threatening or causing physical violence; scratches, bruises
“Research about online teen dating violence is still emerging, but we know it occurs, and we know how harmful it can be. Just because it happens through social media does not mean it is any less dangerous than in-person intimate partner violence. It is important to take even one of these warning signs seriously as an indicator of online teen dating violence. It’s important to act on red flags like these no matter where the abuse is taking place,” said King.
Teen dating violence has a lifelong impact on a person’s health and can be detrimental to a person’s physical and emotional well-being. Knowing and understanding the warning signs for TDV is important for teens and adults in their lives.
Learn more about Teen Dating Violence from Dr. King’s other tip sheets:
There are many resources available if you or someone you know is being abused. Talk to a trusted adult or visit loveisrespect.org and www.breakthecycle.org for support and help.
Dr. Daphne King is an assistant professor and Master of Social Work online program director in the Social Work Department of George Mason University’s College of Public Health. King’s research interests are self-esteem issues in teens and adolescents, mental health concerns and treatment modalities for women of color, specifically African American women, and the impact engagement in Christianity or spiritual practices have on self-esteem. King is an expert in treating teens and adolescents with self-esteem issues and depression and has facilitated numerous clinical and psychoeducational groups on self-esteem issues for teens.
MEDIA INQUIRIES: For reporters who wish to speak to Daphne King about teen dating violence, please contact media contact Michelle Thompson at mthomp7@gmu.edu.
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About George Mason University
George Mason University is Virginia’s largest public research university. Located near Washington, D.C., Mason enrolls more than 40,000 students from 130 countries and all 50 states. Mason has grown rapidly over the past half-century and is recognized for its innovation and entrepreneurship, remarkable diversity, and commitment to accessibility. In 2023, the university launched Mason Now: Power the Possible, a one-billion-dollar comprehensive campaign to support student success, research, innovation, community, and stewardship. Learn more at gmu.edu.
About College of Public Health at George Mason University
The College of Public Health at George Mason University is the first College of Public Health in Virginia and a national leader in inclusive, interprofessional, public health research, education, and practice. The College is comprised of public health disciplines, health administration and policy, informatics, nursing, nutrition, and social work. The College offers a distinct array of degrees to support research and training of professionals dedicated to ensuring health and well-being for all. The College’s transdisciplinary research seeks to understand the many factors that influence the public’s health and well-being throughout the lifespan.
The College enrolls more than 1,900 undergraduate and 1,300 graduate students in our nationally-recognized programs, including 5 undergraduate degrees, 7 master’s degrees, and 4 doctoral degrees, and 10 certificate programs. Our graduates are uniquely prepared to thrive in an increasingly multicultural, multidisciplinary, community-focused public health landscape.