Internet Safety

Menstuff® has compiled the following information on Internet Safety.

Be Aware
Signs of abuse
Parents can help end teen dating abuse

Be Aware

Advocates with the National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline understand that technology is constantly changing. Technology can be used to monitor you where you go or track who you talk to online or what websites you visit. For more information and help with internet safety, please call us at 1-866-331-9474 or TTY 1-866-331-8453.

Did you know that you can monitor someone’s computer use without the user knowing?
Did you know that a “history” cannot be completely erased from a computer?
Did you know that cell phone use can be monitored?
Did you know that a global positioning system (GPS) can be placed on your car, in your purse or in your cell phone?
Did you know the some court systems are placing court records online and that they may contain personal information?
Did you know that e-mail is like a postcard and can be intercepted?
Did you know that you can find safe computers at www.ctcnet.org?

These are questions that Advocates can help answer. Technology is a powerful tool for someone leaving an abusive relationship. Advocates can help a caller - whether victim, friend or family member - plan to use all aspects of technology safely. For more information and support, please contact the National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline at 1-866-331-9474 or TTY 1-866-331-8453.

The Hotline serves as the only center in the nation with access to more than 5,200 sources of help in the United States, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. NDVH and ndvh.org operates 24 hours each day, 365 days every year, in over 150 different languages, with a TTY line available for the Deaf, Deaf-Blind and Hard of Hearing. All calls to NDVH are anonymous.

Signs of abuse:

Embarrass you with put-downs or gossip about you?
Look at you or act in ways that scare you?
Control what you do, who you see, talk to, where you go, or what you wear?
Stop you from seeing your friends or family members?
Make all of the decisions?
Prevent you from working or attending school?
Act like the abuse is no big deal, it’s your fault, or even deny doing it?
Force you to have sex?
Intimidate you with guns, knives or other weapons?
Shove you, slap you, choke you, or hit you?
Threaten to kill you or harm themselves if you break up?
Monitor your computer or phone use or text and IM you excessively?

Parents can help end teen dating abuse

Parents play a very important role in ending teen dating abuse. Teens in abusive situations truly need the support of their parents. Even in the rockiest parent-teen relationship, the advice of a parent can make a dramatic difference in a teen’s life. For that reason, it’s imperative that you familiarize yourself with the warning signs of dating abuse and what you can do to help.

How do I recognize the signs?

An abusive person will do various things to control their partner. A teen experiencing abuse may:

make changes in their daily rituals
retreat from school or activities
experience isolation from friends
make changes in clothing
wear clothing inappropriate for the weather in order to hide marks
have visible marks or bruises
spend excessive amounts of time with the person they’re dating

Here’s what you can do to help

If you notice something has changed, consider talking to your teen:
Ask questions about your teen’s life
Listen with an open mind
Support your teen as they decide what to do
Open up clear channels of communication
Be calm and take positive action

What else can I do?

Communicate with one or our trained advocates. They can offer advice on your teen’s situation and provide strategies on how you can help. Call the National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline at 1-866-331-9474 or TTY 1-866-331-8453.

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