Survey Reveals Abuse In Teen, Tween Dating

Of those sexually active by 14, 69% have seen physical, mental harm
By Victoria Floethe,  Newser Staff
Posted Jul 9, 2008 5:45 PM CDT
Survey Reveals Abuse In Teen, Tween Dating
Rhode Island Attorney General Patrick Lynch speaks at the National Press Club in Washington, Tuesday, July 8, 2008, during a news conference on teen dating violence and abuse.    (AP Photo/Ron Edmonds)

Tween and teen dating is far from a bunch of innocent hand-holding: A survey finds 69% of teens who have had sex by 14 have suffered physical or emotional abuse in relationships, with only half of tweens knowing how to recognize a hurtful relationship. CBS reports more stats:

  • The survey found 37% of 11- and 12-year-olds have been in a boyfriend/girlfriend relationship.
  • 9% of that same group has a friend who has had sex; 40% have friends who have been verbally abused in a relationship.

  • Nearly 3 in 4 tweens believe boyfriend/girlfriend relationships usually begin at age 14 or younger.
  • Of 13- and 14-year-olds, 20% say their friends are victims of dating violence—getting slapped by a boyfriend or girlfriend; half have friends who have been verbally abused.
  • Many teens and tweens have experienced technological abuse—being hurt via cell phones, IMs, social networking sites, etc.
    • (More teen health stories.)

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