Teens are the most important phase of everyone’s life. We are on the brink of adulthood but not yet there. It is easy for teens to get influenced by negative vices. Teens can also get into unhealthy relationships easily. An unhealthy relationship can affect the teen’s mental and physical health. It can also affect the social and academic life of the teen. It is important to tell them what healthy relationship characteristics are. In this article,we will understand what unhealthy relationships teens can have, healthy relationship characteristics, and finally how to protect your teen from unhealthy relationships.

  There are many signs which show us that our teens are in unhealthy relationships. If we find these signs in our teen’s relationship then we know that our teen needs help. Some signs are-

1. Being with a Possessive Partner

If your child stops spending time with friends and only spends time with a partner, it might be a sign that their partner is trying to isolate them from others. When asked about it, your teen’s partner might say that they think your teen’s friends don’t like them, or that the friends are a bad influence.

We might notice that our teen has started being with only one friend or partner. They have started staying away from their group of friends. You also notice that the teen’s daily routine revolves only around this person. They eat, sleep, and drink based on this person’s opinion. This might look nice but this can reach a point where the person starts controlling your teen. The person might also start making demands such as not wearing a particular kind of dress or not doing certain things. These are signs that your teen is in an unhealthy relationship.

2. Changes in your Teens Habits

It is good to grow as a person and stop certain bad habits. But it is not good to change yourself for someone else. If you find that your teen is changing their dressing style, the way they talk, or their hobbies based on someone else’s opinion then it is alarming. It is also a sign that the person does not respect your teen for who they are. This might also lead to the child losing their sense of identity. Sudden changes in your teen’s habits can also be a sign that your teen might be in an unhealthy relationship.

3. Your Teen Has Injuries

Sometimes your teen might have some marks on their bodies. Having injury marks is alarming. It also means your teen needs immediate attention. If you ask your teen directly, they might not respond to it. But it is important to be aware and keep a watch. For example, having a black eye or red marks on the hand or legs would mean there is some physical abuse that is happening. Your teen might feel scared to tell all this to you at first. But, as a parent, you need to get the trust of your teen so that they can share anything with you. Teens who are in an unhealthy relationship often have physical marks that can affect them emotionally also.

4. A Partner or Friend Who Undermines Their Goals

If your teen is with someone who puts their goals down and does not encourage them then it is not a good sign. Sometimes, a partner or friend who has no good intentions would try to pursue your teen to not achieve their goals. You need to tell your teen to stay true to their goals no matter who says what. You should also tell them that if your partner is not so keen on your goals and your happiness then it means the relationship is not very healthy for you.

5. Being Constantly on the Phone

Being on the phone is the need of the hour. But if you notice that your teen is on phone more than needed and also keeps sending messages to their partner or friend immediately and cannot wait then you need to be on guard. Phones make it very easy for relationships to become unhealthy. For example, your teen’s partner might want them to message constantly or keep sending photos. If your teen feels like they have to constantly report to their partner then it is not a good sign.

6. Your Teen Keeps Saying ‘Sorry’

Partners who have bad tempers might be difficult to handle. If your teen is with someone who has a bad temper, then it becomes all the riskier. They are likely to get into an eggshell and are also always on guard. They might keep saying sorry for the smallest mistake. It could also be a sign to please their partner. Saying sorry for petty reasons such as calling late or not messaging is alarming. It is also a sign that they feel scared.

You as a parent always feel that your teen should be safe. You also make sure that they are protected at all times. Here are a few tips that you can practice to protect your teen-

To Sum Up

Being in an unhealthy relationship is not easy. It affects the teen emotionally and mentally. Your teen also loses important phases of their life. They feel lost and lonely. Hence, if needed they can also talk to an expert or a counselor. At Epsychonline, there are many courses designed to help your teen learn many aspects related to mental health. You can enroll in these courses online. One such course is on low self-esteem which helps to learn on how to enhance self-esteem.