Empowering Teens: Resources for Relationship Support for Teens
Educating teenagers about the potential risks of relationships can help them identify and build healthy connections. Because relationships are often complicated, parents or guardians should encourage teens to seek professional guidance.
These resources offer relationship support for teens to help them develop safe and healthy relationships. Here is more information about resources for teens who are dating or seeking romantic relationships:
Teen Support Resources
Creating a space for healthy conversations is an effective way of providing relationship support for teens. In these spaces, teens might feel comfortable discussing their experiences with abusive partners or dating safety. Call, text, and chat support resources provide a more secure space for such discussions.
The goal is to provide an environment where teens can contact experts who’ll address their relationship questions or concerns. Live support experts are available when needed to help teens navigate relationship hurdles.
Aside from calls, texts, and chats, other helpful resources include social media and blog posts sharing relationship advice for teens. Teens can turn their social media usage into a supportive outlet, leveraging their favorite platforms to find relationship support. Expert-run social media accounts can share relationship insights to reach teens who may be unsure where else to find help.
Community Resources
Parents, guardians, and educators can use public resources to support teens as they develop healthy relationships. If you are inexperienced or uncomfortable with relationship topics, various community resources will help you bravely handle sensitive or awkward topics.
Some community resources offer after-hours support to parents and teens in abusive relationships. Here are some public resources available to teens, parents, guardians, and educators:
National Hotlines
Teens experiencing relationship abuse or dating violence can contact various national hotlines for help. Examples of these hotlines include Trans Lifeline, National Runaway Safeline, and RAINN (Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network).
These 24-hour national hotlines offer relationship support for teens across various parts of the U.S. Some provide comprehensive resources for engaging with and educating teenagers to prevent them from starting or staying in abusive relationships. Teens will also learn more about personal safety when dealing with romantic partners. Parents or guardians can use these resources to understand how to support teens dealing with abusive partners.
Sexual Health Resources
Parents or guardians might feel uncomfortable talking to teens about topics like STIs, pregnancy, or birth control. If you find it challenging to handle sexual health topics, look for educational resources.
Sexual health resources like AwkTalk and Ohio HIV/STI Hotline offer insights on how parents can handle potentially awkward topics with their teens. These resources have answers to various sexual health questions and topics from medical experts to help parents protect their teens.
They cover issues such as teenage pregnancy, preventing STIs, and navigating first relationships. Teens who find it awkward to discuss such topics with their parents can explore these resources independently. They provide answers to a range of questions and may recommend other resources to help teens make informed relationship choices.
Healthy Relationship Resources
Some teens experience digital and physical abuse from their romantic partners. One way to prevent such abuse is to rely on resources that offer relationship tips for teens. Healthy relationship resources address issues like digital abuse, unhealthy relationships, and relationship traumas.
Some have programs for helping marginalized teen groups, including native teens, LGBTQIA+ teens, and teens living with disabilities. Others offer sexual violence intervention programs to empower survivors of sexual violence.
Resources for LGBTQIA+ Individuals
LGBTQIA+ teens who are victims of intimate partner violence, discrimination, and sexual assault benefit from organizations providing relationship aid for teens. The goal is to help these individuals overcome past traumas and make positive relationship decisions in the future.
Some resources for LGBTQIA+ youth include helplines and walk-in hours where experts listen to teens and provide necessary guidance. They also train service providers on various topics like sexual violence and relationship violence. These trainings help service providers handle complex issues affecting the LGBTQIA+ community.
Providing Relationship Support for Teens
Teens benefit from professionals and loved ones who are willing to guide and assist them in navigating relationship hurdles. Physical and emotional abuse, sexual assault, and stalking are among the top challenges teens encounter in relationships.
Providing relationship support may prevent abuse and encourage teens to develop healthy relationships. Whether you’re a teen or parent seeking relationship support for teens, there are many resources available online to help you navigate your situation. Contact a relationship expert today to address your questions or concerns related to teen dating.
