It’s Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (TDVAM), and while the topic sounds heavy, it’s
about something you do every day: looking out for your people.
Being a great friend isn’t just about the hype-up comments on IG, sharing your lunch or hanging out after school. It’s about having the backbone to step in when you see a dynamic relationship that doesn’t sit right. This is called bystander intervention, and it’s the ultimate great friend move.
Bystander intervention isn’t about jumping into danger or becoming a superhero. It’s about noticing when something feels off, trusting your instincts, and choosing to show up for someone who might not feel safe enough to speak up for themselves.
And that choice? That’s what great friends do.
What Teen Dating Violence Really Looks Like
Teen dating violence isn’t always physical. Sometimes it’s subtle. Quiet. Easy to miss if you’re not
paying attention.
It can look like:
A friend who suddenly stops hanging out
A partner who constantly checks their phone
Someone being pressured, guilted, or controlled
A relationship where one person always seems scared to upset the other
Jokes that don’t feel like jokes
“Rules” that only one person gets to make
You don’t have to be an expert to notice when something feels wrong. You just have to care and you
are incredible at caring.
Why Friends Matter More Than You Think
Research shows that teens are far more likely to open up to a friend than to an adult. That means you
might be the first person to notice a red flag, and the first person someone trusts enough to tell the
truth.
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