Digital Smarts - Cyberdating Abuse an Emerging Concern Among Teens

While “sexting” and texting are well known as being part of the high school dating scene these days, data in a new study is showing the connection between cyberdating and physical and sexual violence in relationships. This study is the first clinically based look at cyberdating abuse among young people. Most commonly, victims reported that abusive partners were using mobile apps, texting and other social networks to harass the victim. Dr. Miller, an associate professor of pediatrics at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, notes “When we are showing young people what controlling and abusive behaviors look like, we need to include the use of social media. Many young people consider this normative behavior instead of letting them know it’s truly not OK.”