1 in 3 teens face dating violence, and doctors should be on alert: pediatric society

The Canadian Paediatric Society has issued new guidelines urging doctors to discuss healthy relationships and dating violence with teenagers. According to the society, one-third of Canadian teens experience physical, psychological, sexual, or technology-related abuse in their relationships, which can include stalking. Dr. Megan Harrison, chair of the society’s adolescent health committee, explained that technology, such as texting and social media, can make abusive behaviors easier to carry out.

These behaviors can also affect adolescents as they are still forming their identities, making them more vulnerable to such situations. The guidelines suggest that healthcare providers should address the topic of healthy and unhealthy relationships during routine visits with adolescent patients. Dr. Harrison emphasized that doctors do not need to provide answers if a teen discloses a problematic relationship, but they should create a safe and non-judgmental environment for the patient to express their concerns.

This conversation should be kept confidential unless the doctor is immediately concerned for the patient's safety or the safety of someone else. The guidelines also recommend that doctors share educational resources about healthy relationships and teen dating violence with their patients, which they can keep or share with friends.

If a teen discloses abusive behavior, the healthcare provider should support them by thanking them for their trust and connecting them with additional resources in the community. In some situations, doctors can take the first step by making a phone call with the teen in the office or assisting them in making an appointment. The guidelines also advise healthcare providers to consider that some teens may be at increased risk for dating violence, such as those who are homeless, living in poverty, gender-diverse, Black or Indigenous, or living in care systems.