Digital abuse is increasingly present in the lives of young people, yet many systems are still catching up. In our final post in the TDVAM series, we share important information for schools, mental health professionals, and youth serving organizations to keep in mind as players in the prevention of digital abuse. Remember, you are not in it alone, and our trainers and counselors are here to help!
Key Characteristics of Digital Abuse
Adults working with teens can keep in mind as few important facts about digital abuse and teen dating violence. Take note:
- It often co-occurs with emotional or dating violence
- Power and control are central dynamics
- It can be peer-to-peer, romantic, or group-based
- It is frequently minimized by both youth and adults
Barriers to Disclosure
Many teens will avoid talking to adults about digital abuse. This can be based on fear that they have done something wrong or will be punished for the behavior. This can happen even if they the person experiencing the abuse.
Young people may fear:
- Losing device access
- Not being believed
- Escalation of abuse
- Social consequences
This makes how we respond just as important as what we do. Staying calm, listening to understand, and believing the young person when they disclose the abuse and their fears is so important for caring adults. Be a listener first, and a problem solver second.
Best Practices for Professionals
Whether you are a school professional, mental health provider, youth group leader, or staff or volunteer at a youth-serving organization, you have a role to play in responding to and preventing the harm of digital abuse.
- Use behavior-based language rather than labels (“It sounds like so-and-so did this”… not “so-and-so is an abuser”)
- Validate emotional impact before problem-solving
- Avoid reflexive solutions that remove autonomy
- Incorporate digital scenarios into prevention education
- Collaborate with parents when safe and appropriate
- Remember, in PA you are a mandated reporter. Be clear about this role with teens.
A Prevention Lens
Project SELFIE is a tool we have available in our communities to help teach young people and the adults who care about them about the nuances of digital abuse, sexting, and digital coercion. Teaching youth about:
- Consent in digital spaces
- Healthy communication norms
- Red flags of control
- How to document and report abuse safely
…can significantly reduce harm.
Digital abuse is not a tech issue—it’s a relationship and safety issue. Remember, you can reach a Sexual Assault Counselor on our hotline 24/7 at 570-628-2965 or 717-272-5308. Schools all have Safe2Say lines where you can connect with help or request support. Parents and other caring adults who want to learn more can contact our Prevention Specialists to request Project SELFIE programs, Social Development Strategy trainings, or Mandated Reporter trainings at no cost.
