Secor-Turner: Teen dating violence statistics are not acceptable

As a mother and educator, this makes me concerned for all youth. These statistics are simply not acceptable. Fortunately, we know what it takes to prevent teen dating violence.

Some young people are more vulnerable to teen dating violence than others—teens who are isolated, have limited supervision from caregivers, and/or lack family connectedness. And, we know there are ways to reduce teen dating violence by involving families. Building strong, positive relationships between teens and their mothers or other caregivers and helping teens understand what teen dating violence is can go a long way in reducing teen dating violence statistics.

It is important to equip parents with the tools they need to be effective educators and advocates for their children. In fact, young people consistently report wanting to learn about values, sexuality, and health relationships from their parents. The Parents Are Sexuality Educators class available through Planned Parenthood of Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota helps all adults, particularly parents, understand their role in promoting healthy teen relationship and sexuality development.

PASE classes provide parents valuable training that empowers them to be their child's primary sexuality educator. Groups discuss parenting opportunities and challenges and learn about supporting healthy development in the lives of their children. Workshops cover topics such as sexuality, values, adolescent development, teachable moments and more.

Parents who have participated in this program report a higher comfort level in talking to their kids about sex and healthy relationships.

PPMNS also offers programs for teens themselves. The Reach One, Teach One class helps young people become more comfortable communicating with their parents and guardians and teaches them about healthy relationships. Armed with these skills, research demonstrates that teens are more likely to delay sexual activity, more likely to use contraception when they become sexually active, and are more likely to identify signs of unhealthy romantic relationships. Integrating dating violence prevention concepts into comprehensive sexuality education prepares young people to make healthy decisions and gives them skills to identify and avoid dating violence.

I hope you'll join me as we mark National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month. Let's make sure that all North Dakota teens have the relationships they need with caring and involved adults, as well as information and resources to ensure that they do not become victim to teen dating violence.

Secor Turner is a professor of nursing at North Dakota State University and co-PI for the Federal PREP grant that funds Planned Parenthood's education work in North Dakota. She also serves as the chair of the North Dakota Advisory Committee for PPMNS