Cell phones & teen abuse

Posted by Evan Derkacz at 6:40 AM on February 13, 2007.

This guest post was written by Vanessa Valenti.

Recent studies have shown that among teenagers, cell phones can be a very useful tool for abusers to control their partners. Abusers can have their partners constantly accessible to them, whether it be via text or by simply calling them. According to some findings:

20 to 30 percent of teens who had been in relationships said their partner had harassed, insulted or made unwanted requests for sexual activity via cell phones or texts.

One out of four reported hourly contact with a dating partner between midnight and 5 a.m. -- in some cases, 30 times per hour.

One out of 10 received physical threats electronically.

This also includes Instant Messenger. Scary stuff, but I had a problem with this snippet:

As communication technology has become pervasive, 'teen dating abuse has skyrocketed,' says Jill Murray, an author of several books on the subject and a psychotherapist in Laguna Niguel, Calif. She's seen a case of a teen logging more than 9,000 cellphone calls and text messages monthly. The attention seems flattering at first, she says, but later a girl or boy 'feels smothered and doesn't know how to get out.' Dr. Murray says parents have an obligation 'to limit cellphone and computer use to something reasonable.' She advises blocking the computer and taking away cellphones overnight.

I don't know if restricting a victim from using their phone or computer is going to stop abuse. In fact, that could exacerbate a situation where an abuser could see it as a lack of response and decide to take physical action against the victim. Obviously no form of abuse is okay, but you can't just take away a victim's phone and assume the abuse will cease (especially when it could make it even worse).

Thoughts?

Tagged as: feminism, teens, dating, relationships

Vanessa Valenti is an editor at Feministing.