As a teenager, you probably use digital communication every day – cell phones, text messaging, instant messaging, social networking, etc. This kind of technology is so cool, but it can also be used in harmful ways. Did you know that:
- 1 in 3 teens say they have been text messaged 10, 20 or 30 times an hour by a partner wanting to know where they are, what they’re doing, or who they’re with.
- 1 in 4 teens in a relationship have been called names, harassed or put down by a partner through cell phones and texting.
- 51 percent of teen girls say pressure from a guy is a reason girls send sexy messages or images, and 18 percent of teen boys say pressure from a girl is a reason
Here are some examples of Digital Abuse:
- Checking your cell phone or email without permission
- Asking you to send naked photos
- Name-calling or put-downs
- Extreme jealousy or insecurity, “ie. WHO R U WITH?!”
- Explosive temper if you don’t respond to messages immediately
- Telling you to be available all the time
- Controlling where you go and what you do
- Calling or texting way too many times
Digital communication should be fun and cool and should never be used to hurt or control someone. If you or someone you know is experiencing digital abuse, please consider telling an adult you trust.
Check out http://www.thatsnotcool.com/ for tons of great information.
