February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, a time to highlight the importance of helping young people build safe, respectful and healthy relationships. For Army Families, this topic deserves particular attention. Frequent moves, deployments, changing schools and the stressors unique to military life can shape how teens experience relationships and influence how comfortable they feel asking for help when something does not feel right.
Parents are the first and most influential line of prevention. Through early conversations, awareness of warning signs and connection to Army resources, Families can help teens navigate dating with confidence and safety. The Family Advocacy Program plays a key role in prevention by supporting parents long before a crisis occurs.
“At the Family Advocacy Program, we help parents get the knowledge and tools they need to guide their teens in developing healthy and safe relationships, communicate openly and find support when challenges come up,” said Dr. Cindy Morita, licensed clinical social worker, FAP Specialist.
“FAP does not provide direct services to teens, but it serves as a critical prevention and referral hub for parents.”
Through education, consultation and guidance, FAP helps parents strengthen communication, understand healthy relationship dynamics and access additional support when concerns arise.
FAP support includes:
• Prevention education focused on healthy relationships and boundaries.
• Parenting education and communication skill building.
• Consultation for parents who are concerned about dating warning signs.
• Referrals to teen-focused services and community resources when needed.
Families can access FAP through their installation’s Army Community Service office. Engaging early before problems escalate allows parents to build confidence and clarity around how to support their teens.
Teen dating violence does not always look the same, and it often begins subtly. Parents are encouraged to pay attention to behavioral or emotional changes or new digital habits that may indicate an unhealthy or abusive relationship.
Common red flags may include:
• Withdrawal or isolation from Family, friends or favorite activities.
• Sudden mood changes, depression, anxiety or academic decline.
• A dating partner who displays controlling or jealous behaviors, such as monitoring whereabouts or discouraging other relationships.
• Unexplained bruises or injuries.
Digital red flags are increasingly common, including excessive texting, constant check-ins through technology or using social media to harass, threaten or control a partner. Technology can also be misused as a tool of power and control in teen dating relationships.
When parents notice concerning behaviors, how they respond can make a significant difference. A supportive, nonjudgmental approach helps teens feel safe continuing the conversation and seeking help when they need it.
“One of the strongest protective factors against dating violence is early, ongoing communication at home. Conversations about dating and boundaries should begin before teens start dating and continue as they mature,” said Morita.
Parents can try the following recommendations when engaging with their teens:
• Stay calm, listen closely and focus on teen safety.
• Keep conversations ongoing rather than one-time talks.
• Build trust by reassuring teens that the situation is not their fault.
• Avoid ultimatums that may shut down communication.
• Consult FAP or a trusted professional for guidance and support.
• Ask about referrals to appropriate teen-specific services.
• Model respect, consent and healthy communication at home.
• Ensure teens have trusted and reliable resources to turn to, especially since many seek advice online or through technology.
• Have a code word teen can use to alert parents that they are feeling unsafe and need assistance.
Parents can also reinforce healthy relationship messages such as maintaining individual interests and friendships, and sharing decision-making.
Resources from Military OneSource and love is respect offer practical guidance, conversation starters and support tools for parents and teens navigating these topics.
Morita said, “Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month is an important reminder, but prevention and support should continue throughout the year.”
By staying engaged, learning the warning signs and using trusted resources, parents can help teens develop the skills they need to build healthy relationships and recognize when something is wrong.
When Families lead with openness, education and early support, they can create a foundation of trust that can protect teens well into adulthood.
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