Is Mental Illness Genetic? Genetic Factors Explored
Are mental illnesses inherited or are they a result of a person’s environment? This question drives scientific investigations, shapes conversations in society, and affects how people view mental health. But finding the answer isn’t simple. Below, we’ll explore this issue, considering how genetics, environment, and personal experiences all play a role. What is Mental Illness? […]
Empowering Teens: Navigating Relationships During Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month
February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, a month dedicated to raising awareness and promoting prevention of dating violence among teenagers. Statistics show that 1 in 3 teens in the U.S. will experience some form of dating abuse, and this month is a great time for education and empowerment. Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month was […]
I Caught My Teen Sexting. Now What?
You might have gotten the call from another parent, who was appalled. Or the school administrator. Or maybe you found out about it yourself. Inadvertently saw some of the photos on your teen’s phone. Read some of the racy texts. How you discovered it doesn’t matter. Ultimately, you caught your teen sexting. Help! My Teen […]
Intimate Partner Abuse and Teen Dating Violence Risk Factors and Interventions
Expanding Our Understanding of Dating Abuse and Violence In an article called “INTIMATE PARTNER SEXUAL ABUSE: Who Are the Victims, What Are the Risks? Adults, Teens, and Children” published in the judicial periodical The Judge’s Journal last year, author Lynn Hecht Shafran addresses a serious problem in our society: sexual violence between people who are […]
Academic Performance and Drug Use Among Teens Who Date
Dating is a big part of being a teenager. Movies, pop music, books, and social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook glorify teen love, teen crushes, being boy-crazy, girl-crazy, or non-binary they/them crazy. To be clear, by crazy we mean obsessed, and by obsessed we don’t mean clinically. We mean the can’t-stop-thinking-about-my-crush kind of obsession, […]
Do All Teens Date?
If you’re a teenager, you’ve probably thought about dating. Maybe you’ve decided you don’t want to date at all, maybe you’ve decided you want to date some, and maybe you’ve decided you want to date a lot. We have some good news for you: no matter which category you’re in, you have company. This means […]
February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month: #1Thing
Early Roots: Protecting Families In 1981, advocates for women and children created Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) to raise awareness about domestic violence and spread reliable facts and knowledge about its prevalence and consequences. Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (TDVAM) is the product of that same awareness and advocacy movement. The goals of DVAM and […]
Secret Code Words Your Adolescent Is Using for Sex and Drugs
If you’re a parent of a teen, it can be confusing when you hear your teen talk to others, or try to read their texts. If you’re not familiar with teen slang, some of their exchanges may seem unfamiliar or downright odd. Adolescents today will also use words and phrases that mean totally different things […]
Teen Dating Violence: What To Do If Your Teen is Abusive
If you discover your teen is violent or abusive toward their signifcant other, you need to do something about it. Read this list – and if you feel like you’re out of your depth, pay special attention to #10: Get Professional Help. Ten Steps to Take Right Away Do not ignore it. Hiding your head […]
What To Do If You’re A Victim of Teen Dating Violence
The first thing to do if you’re the victim of teen dating violence – or any intimate partner violence, no matter how old you are – is this: know that violence, anger, or controlling behavior is not a sign of how much someone loves you. Rather, it’s a sign something inside the angry, violent, or […]