As summer approaches and young people increasingly rely on social media and phones to stay in touch, we’d like to ask parents and guardians to discuss digital dating boundaries with teens and preteens. A good way to start these conversations is by asking questions. You might ask: How quickly do you think someone should respond to a partner’s text? What if two people disagree? Do you think it is OK for someone to ask for their partner’s passwords or look through their phone? What is a healthy way to handle this? Do you think it is OK for someone to tell their partner who they can or cannot follow or friend on social media? What might you do if you had a partner who demanded non-stop or constant contact?

If you were struggling with these issues, who would you talk to? (I hope you can talk to me ...) Digital abuse can include demanding constant texting, pressuring someone to share passwords, controlling or humiliating someone on social media, pressuring someone for pictures, tracking someone’s movements with technology, and more. Even if teens trust their partner completely, they do not need to share passwords or devices, respond to messages right away, or do or send anything that makes them feel uncomfortable.

We want young people to know that all communication in a healthy relationship is respectful, whether in person, on the phone, or online. To test your knowledge before talking to your teen, see  http://www.loveisrespect.org/#quizhome. Monica Moran On behalf of the Southern Hilltown Domestic Violence Task Force

Monica Moran, on behalf of the Southern Hilltown Domestic Violence Task Force

Amherst