Trigger Warning; mentions of interpersonal violence, child grooming, and rape

“We grown up with certain values, because of religion, and culture, and family- and remembering to respect those values within ourselves and those that we love is something to keep in mind for all of us. No matter our age.”

In our fourth episode, Leen and Saba discuss some important elements of the teen dating scene. We explore some of the factors that play into teenage romance, how it can impact emotional growth and wellbeing, as well as some unhealthy/abusive patterns we sometimes observe in these relationships.

We do not hold a particular stance on teenage dating, but attempt to provide some insight through the lens of a teenager. Importantly, we also put our adult caps on and discussed how parents, mentors, and adults involved in a teen’s life can help them navigate the generally challenging period of growing up, falling into feelings, and perhaps even, potential heartbreak.

Timestamps:

(02:53) - Why and how teenage dating begins

(04:00) - Biology of teenage dating

(04:48) - Exposure to romance/hyper-sexualization on media

(6:00) - Strained relationships between teenagers and their parents

(07:15)- Peer pressure

(09:00) - Teenage brain and development

(10:50) - Social belongingness and acceptance

(11:35) - Toeing the line between being a kid and an adult

(12:55) - How adults react/what to be wary of as a parent

(16:45) - Difficult/harmful situations in teenage relationships

(19:15) - How to better ensure safety of teenagers

(21:30) - Fostering better bonds with your child

(22:00) - A child can be a perpetrator

(22:40) - Parents' reaction to child victimization

(23:27) - Creating/becoming a safe space for children to confide

(24:13) - Prevantative strategies

(24:50) - Good kids get trapped in bad situations

(26:24) - Child grooming

(27:06) - It is every adults' responsibility to be there for children

(27:40) - Unrealistic expectations can lead to despair

(29:00) - Show genuine interest in kids' lives BEFORE something happens

(31:11) - Every relationship should be based on mutual love and respect

(32:19) - Teaching kids about consent and boundaries

(35:00) - Importance of sex education

(37:50) - Sex education is not immoral

(39:00) - Sex eduation should be age appropriate

(39:50) -Improper sexual exposure can lead to problems later in life

(41:00) - Wrapping up

Journal article mentioned by Leen: Romantic Love, Hypomania, and Sleep Pattern in Adolescents (https://www.jahonline.org/article/S1054-139X(07)00026-2/pdf)