February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (TDVAM)—a time to raise awareness, spark honest conversations, and equip young people with the tools they need to build safe, respectful relationships. At Anchors Up!, we believe prevention starts early and grows stronger when students, families, and schools work together.
Why This Matters
Teen dating violence can show up as emotional manipulation, controlling behaviors, verbal abuse, digital harassment, or physical harm. Many young people don’t recognize these warning signs—especially when unhealthy behaviors are normalized online or framed as “care.” Education and self-awareness can change that narrative.
Anchors Up! Workshops: Age-Appropriate, Impact-Driven
Anchors Up! delivers interactive workshops for middle and high school students that meet youth where they are and build skills they can use right away.
Middle School Focus (Grades 6–8):
Understanding friendships vs. dating relationships
Recognizing boundaries and consent
Identifying early red flags (jealousy, pressure, isolation)
Building confidence and self-respect
High School Focus (Grades 9–12):
Defining healthy vs. unhealthy relationship patterns
Communication, consent, and mutual respect
Digital safety and social media boundaries
Practicing decision-making and help-seeking skills
Across all sessions, students learn to name their feelings, trust their instincts, and understand that love should never hurt—emotionally or physically.
Self-Awareness: The Anchor for Healthy Choices
A core element of Anchors Up! programming is self-awareness. When students understand their values, triggers, and goals, they are better prepared to:
Set and maintain boundaries
Recognize when something feels “off”
Choose relationships that support—not undermine—their well-being
Through reflection activities, scenario discussions, and peer dialogue, students practice listening to themselves and advocating for their safety.
Brief Strategies for Parents & Caregivers
Parents play a powerful role in prevention. Here are a few practical ways to support your teen:
Keep conversations ongoing. Talk early and often—don’t wait for a crisis.
Ask open-ended questions. “How do you feel in that relationship?” opens more doors than yes/no questions.
Model healthy relationships. Teens notice how adults handle conflict, respect, and communication.
Normalize boundaries. Reinforce that it’s okay to say no, change your mind, or walk away.
Know the signs. Sudden withdrawal, fear of upsetting a partner, changes in mood, or constant monitoring can be red flags.
Share resources. Let your teen know where they can go for help—at school, in the community, or at home.
Moving Forward—Together
Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month is more than a moment—it’s a commitment. Anchors Up! is proud to stand with students, families, and schools to foster healthy relationships, self-confidence, and safety. By giving young people the language and tools to understand what healthy love looks like, we help them build stronger futures—anchored in respect.
If you’d like to learn more about Anchors Up! workshops or bring a session to your school or community, reach out to our team info@careerdevelopment.solutions.. Together, we can make awareness action.
#RealLoveRespects #TDVAM2026