How to Counsel a Teen About Date Rape

When it comes time for teens to begin dating, every parent gets nervous. You're trusting your teens in the hands of someone else. The only thing you can do as a parent is counsel your teen about the risks, one of which is date rape. Follow these steps to learn how.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

1. Set aside a comfortable place and time to counsel your teen about date rape. Make sure he is relaxed and in the mood to talk. If he has had a bad day, then talk at another time as he is not likely to listen.
2. Encourage your teen to be assertive when out on a date. Let her know that when she says "No" it means "No."
3. Talk to your teen about the effects of alcohol when out on a date. Statistics have shown that date rape is more likely to occur when alcohol is involved. Teens are unable to think clearly and for some alcohol may bring out sexually aggressive behavior.
4. Discuss the benefits of dating in a group with your teen. Even if it's just a double date it will lessen the chances of teen date rape because your child is not alone with her date.
5. Prepare a safety plan. Make sure your teen carries money for a pay phone or a cell phone to call if he is feeling uncomfortable on a date. He should carry a couple of phone numbers besides yours in case he's not able to reach you.
6. Tell your teen "No" about going out with someone that may make you uncomfortable or sends you the wrong signals. It's much better to trust your intuition and make your teen angry with you then it is to have her hurt.