Young teens are experiencing significant emotional, psychological and physical changes. And, although during this challenging time preteens need adult guidance more than ever, they are also seeking independence and turning to peers.
Middle schoolers learn behavior from those they trust, so it’s important for dating violence prevention programs to involve the people who are not only close to them, but who will have a positive influence over these young teens. As middle schoolers form the relationships that set the stage for future ones, parents, older teens, teachers, coaches, health professionals and others must do their part to help kids understand what a healthy relationship looks and feels like.
The most important thing to know about engaging influencers is that many of them don’t realize the importance of helping young people build healthy relationship skills. Before you can engage influencers, you need to educate them about teen dating violence prevention and help them feel empowered to promote healthy relationships among young teens.