Back‑to‑school season in San Antonio brings new friendships and, for many teens, first romantic relationships. Local advocacy groups say parents must be ready to discuss what a healthy partnership looks like and to watch for warning signs of abuse.
Open communication beats prohibition
Mandy Majors, founder of the nonprofit nextTalk, cautions that a parent’s instinct to simply forbid dating can backfire. “From a mom perspective, we want to say, ‘no’ to the relationship, but that often leads to sneaking and rebellion,” Majors said. She argues that keeping the lines of communication open gives teens a safe space to share concerns.
Majors explains that an unhealthy relationship can become a breeding ground for domestic abuse because the teen may feel unsafe confiding in a parent. “If they don’t feel safe with us, the abuse can continue unchecked,” she warned.
Understanding the forms of abuse
Advocates stress that abuse isn’t always physical. Verbal abuse can include yelling, threats or sarcasm. Emotional abuse may appear as constant monitoring, threats of self‑harm, gaslighting or extreme jealousy. Physical abuse can range from pushing and grabbing to hair pulling or being pinned against a wall.
Research cited by the groups shows that dangerous or unsafe relationships are most common among people ages 11 to 24, underscoring the importance of early education.
Social media’s role
Dee Dee Said, founder of the local nonprofit Positively Impacting Communities and a survivor of teen dating abuse, points to the media landscape as a factor that normalizes harmful behavior. “Social media, reality TV and sarcasm can be hurtful, and kids often don’t recognize the impact,” Said said.
She notes that abusive relationships rarely start with obvious red flags. “It’s subtle. It often begins great, then small derogatory comments or side remarks creep in. The teen may feel something is off but can’t name it,” Said explained.
Practical steps for parents
Majors urges parents to keep the door open, regardless of whether they allow dating. “Whatever you do, keep the lines of communication open. Your kids should always feel safe. You can say, ‘I’m worried about this relationship, but I love you and I’ll support you,’” she advised.
She recommends regular, non‑judgmental check‑ins, listening without immediate criticism, and educating teens about consent, respect and boundaries.
Resources for help
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or teen dating abuse, resources are available through local shelters and counseling centers. The National Domestic Violence Hotline can be reached at 800‑799‑SAFE (7233) for confidential assistance.
San Antonio families are encouraged to use these tools to protect their children and foster healthy, respectful relationships as the new school year begins.
Original reporting: San Antonio, TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
