Twelve Talks to Have with Teens

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Talk to Your Teen about Dating

Some of the most important boundaries related to teen dating are the ones your teen has for themselves about what they do and don't expect from a partner. Talk to your teen about creating healthy and safe relationships, whether or not they are involved with a significant other.

Learn More About Talking to Your Teen

Some Youth Experience Dating Violence

Infographic sharing that "22% of Jefferson County high schoolers who dated or went out with someone during the past 12 month, reported being controlled or emotionally hurt by someone they were dating or going out with." Information is from the 2023 Healthy Kids Colorado Survey

According to the 2023 Healthy Kids Colorado Survey, among Jefferson County high school youth who dated or went out with someone during the past 12 months, 22% reported being controlled or emotionally hurt.

February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. Whether your teen is concerned about their relationship or has questions about dating in general, love is respect is here for them 24/7. Text “LOVEIS” to 22522 to speak to an advocate or visit l oveisrespect.org.

Learn More About Love is Respect

Video: What Makes a Relationship Healthy

Video about what makes a relationship healthy.

If and when your teen decides they want to be in a relationship with someone, it is important they understand the difference between a healthy relationship and an unhealthy relationship. A few important qualities of a healthy relationship are communication, trust, physical and emotional safety and respect.

Video is two minutes and fifteen seconds long (2:15).

Watch Video: What Makes a Relationship Healthy

Open Ended Questions about Dating

How to Start a Conversation About Dating

Do teens use the word “dating”? You would need to ask each teen! Words used to refer to types of relationships vary – and tend to change over time – but terms could include: dating, relationship, hooking up, talking, seeing, being exclusive, hanging out and many others.

First, find an opening. Some ideas are:

Jump in! Admit that you want to have an awkward conversation. That might make it a little less awkward.

Tell them that you would love to talk to them about dating – and that includes anyone, of any gender or sexual orientation – that they are (or wish they were) dating!

Ask a direct question that can't be answered with a simple "yes" or "no."

For example:

If you were dating someone, how would you expect them to treat you?
What would your ideal boyfriend/girlfriend/partner be like?
How would you show a partner that you trust them?
Who do you know who is in a really healthy relationship? What makes it work well?
What do you consider to not be okay in relationships?
What should someone do if they are starting to feel like they are being treated badly in a relationship?
What do you call “dating”?

The best way to show your teen you care?

Be there.

Have a talk with your teen.

Learn more at https://jeffcoctc.care/twelve-talks/dating/

Visit Twelve Talks at JeffcoCTC.care

This project was created by the Jefferson County Communities That Care (Jeffco CTC) coalition, a project of the Colorado Nonprofit Development Center. Jeffco CTC is funded through a Coalitions Organizing for Prevention grant from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and a Drug-Free Communities grant from the Centers for Disease Control. The views, policies and opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the grant providers.