Have fun dating, but always be safe

High school dating is supposed to be a fun experience. For many, it is how they met the love of their life and it is not uncommon for high school sweethearts to stay together forever.

Unfortunately, high school dating and safe dating don't always go hand-in-hand, if you'll pardon the expression. 

The most recent Centers For Disease Control and Prevention Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System survey in 2021 found that 9.7 percent of high school students have experienced sexual dating violence. That number was significantly higher for girls (15.3%) than boys (4%).

Also, about 8.5% of high school students reported experiencing physical dating violence, again with the total higher for girls (10.2%) than boys (6.7%).

And while those percentages have decreased slightly in the past decade, this is, without question, a matter that needs to be taken seriously. And school districts like Aledo are doing just that.

"Aledo ISD addresses the matter of dating violence as required by the state in policies related to freedom from discrimination, harassment, and bullying," noted Scott Kessel, AISD Executive Director of Student Services.

On May 18, 2007, then Texas Governor Rick Perry signed House Bill 121 into law. HB 121 mandates that all school districts in Texas adopt and implement a dating violence policy.

To the extent possible, a school district shall make available to students: (1) age-appropriate educational materials that include information on the dangers of dating violence; and (2) resources to students seeking help.

As of June 2022, 28 states and the District of Columbia required some level of dating violence prevention education, and nine strongly encouraged it, according to research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association Pediatrics.

Secondary campuses in the AISD share a program with students called Play It Safe that’s offered through the Women’s Center of Tarrant County. Play It Safe reinforces the details of what makes healthy relationships, how to appropriately interact with others, and what to do when things don’t seem right. 

"Parents are given opportunities to preview the Play It Safe materials before they are shared with students and can request that their children not participate," Kessel said. "Parents are also provided with suggestions of how to have conversations on the topic at home with their kids if they choose to do so."

Studies have shown that teenagers who experience abuse in their early romantic relationships can face lifelong consequences as a result. Also, it's been determined that up to 88% of teens with a history of dating violence experienced interruptions and difficulties with their education.

However, school districts like Aledo are poised to educate students about dating violence, and to respond when something happens.

Aledo ISD has a tip line for any student - victim, friend, witness, etc. - to be able to report to school and district administration, along with district-employed police officers, about things happening that shouldn’t be. Additionally, the district partners with Parker County Crime Stoppers to be able to report criminal activity. 

Reports to both the AISD tip line and Crime Stoppers can be made anonymously or not. 

Kessel and others also stress the importance of keeping parents informed, along with parents advising their children of safety — and for both parents and teens to listen to each other.

"It’s always important for parents and kids to have conversations about matters like this," Kessel said. "They can be hard conversations to have, but are critical to keeping everyone as safe as possible. Always knowing when and where kids are going, and who they’ll be with is also always a good practice for kids and parents to be on the same page about."

Kessel added that, of course, if any child or parent is feeling a need to find help, Aledo ISD would always encourage them to reach out and not feel like they have to handle the situation alone. 

"Our schools and school staff have resources that can help, or they can work quickly to connect students and families with the best resources to support the kids in our community," he said.

Anyone in immediate danger should always call 911. There are also a number of resources available to help people recognize and escape abusive relationships, including the National Domestic Violence Hotline, the National Sexual Assault Hotline, and LoveIsRespect.org. 

For someone to speak to, 988 is a confidential, no-cost line that directs callers in need to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline network and integrated crisis response systems. There are also crisis intervention apps like SafeUT, which connects users to licensed counselors who are ready to listen to any sized crisis or concern.