About one in three teens who have been in a relationship said their partner had text messaged them 10, 20 and up to 30 times per hour to find out where they are, what they're doing, or who they're with [CNN Health]. And one expert says that mobile technologies create opportunities for constant stalking, intimidation and threatening behaviors that may be related to an increase in teen dating abuse.
These observations were part of the rollout for a National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline website and toll-free number. The site includes a live chat option and information about dating abuse and internet safety.
Well, I had to check out the IM. The following is lightly edited.
Helpline Advocate> Hello this is loveirespect, National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline. What would you like to talk about?
Guest> I just found out about this and am blogging about it for a health blog I do.
Helpline Advocate> cool. can i answer any questions for you?
Guest> Curious why there are no txt msg features at this point?
Helpline Advocate> well, the helpline just launched last week. Even this chat feature is pretty innovative, as far as national resources go about this topic. so we're seeing how the chat does, what kind of response we get. we have considered the possibility of texts though
Guest> Agree. Teens finding you? And how?
Helpline Advocate> yes, they are...we've had the website displayed on many national news channels. we have a spot on Good Morning America airing soon, hopefully tomorrow, and we're also spreading the word through our parent hotline, the National Domestic Violence Hotline
Guest> What are the questions they are asking most about?
Helpline Advocate> well, we haven't gotten a TON of calls yet, many of them are more a long the lines of research (like this) or people testing us out. But many teens call to ask about things happening in their relationships or those of friends, frequently harassing/stalking behaviors are involved, i.e. following at school, constant texting/calling, various other controlling behaviors. it really varies....emotional, psychological and also physical abuse. every scenario is different. electronic stalking/abuse is becoming more and more prevalent. and
incidentally, that's a reason that having a text messaging function
could be risky. many of our callers have their phones checked, etc. by an abuser
Guest> Got it. Don't want to tie you up anymore. Is it OK to copy and post some of this?
Helpline Advocate> sure, feel free.
Guest> Thanks very much. Good luck with it.
And that's the story.
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