Survey Reveals Abuse In Teen, Tween Dating

Tween and teen dating is far from a bunch of innocent hand-holding: A survey finds 69% of teens who have had sex by 14 have suffered physical or emotional abuse in relationships, with only half of tweens knowing how to recognize a hurtful relationship. CBS reports more stats:

• The survey found 37% of 11- and 12-year-olds have been in a boyfriend/girlfriend relationship.
• 9% of that same group has a friend who has had sex; 40% have friends who have been verbally abused in a relationship.

Nearly 3 in 4 tweens believe boyfriend/girlfriend relationships usually begin at age 14 or younger.

Of 13- and 14-year-olds, 20% say their friends are victims of dating violence—getting slapped by a boyfriend or girlfriend; half have friends who have been verbally abused.

Many teens and tweens have experienced technological abuse—being hurt via cell phones, IMs, social networking sites, etc.

(More teen health stories.)