Teen Dating Violence is an Epidemic
In society, people tend to judge books by their cover. They see teen couples go through difficulties and shrug it off as if it is not an issue, because of the simple fact that they are young. Teen Dating Violence is an epidemic affecting one in three teens. It has no gender preference and could happen in any of relationship. Unfortunately, many teens are not aware of the warning signs of an unhealthy relationship. HB121 states that every school in the state of Texas must implement a dating violence policy, which includes providing training to teachers and administrators. It also mandates awareness education for students and parents. Many schools in the State of Texas have failed to carry out this mandate, most of whom do not even acknowledge it as a problem. Society needs to stop regarding teens as children who do not know what they’re doing. Teenagers are suffering primarily because of the fact that they are unaware of what a healthy relationship should be like. Teen dating violence needs stop and the only way to produce any factor of change is through education. School systems must start modeling and educating youth on what a healthy relationship is. Love is respect and no one in the world should ever have the right to make you doubt your value or surrender your will to them. If you ever need to talk to someone, remember that there are hotlines that can help you through anything. You may call 1-866-331-9474 or text LOVEIS to 22522. Both of these lines are available 24/7/365 and are operated by teens who are open to listen.
Posted by on 17 Feb 2016
About the author
Junior at a Houston High School