Sharing fun photos and good news with your friends! Making plans to see a movie! Shopping! Listening to your favorite songs and watching cool videos! More shopping! Technology rocks!

Your cellphone, tablet, and personal computer connect you to all the wonderful things the world has to offer. And when true BFFs text you a message or photo … LOL! Life is great.
But the digital cyberverse has a dark side — a dangerous side.

All too often, people use technology to hurt others, to demean others, to control others.
When that abusive person is your boyfriend, life gets scary.

In a healthy relationship, dating partners treat each other with respect no matter how they communicate, whether in person, online, or over the phone. Healthy relationships are based on trust and honesty, not jealousy and anger.

It may be hard to figure out if you are being abused. After all, he’s supposed to be your boyfriend, right?

Common Forms of Digital Abuse

So let’s talk about common forms of digital abuse. Look over the list and be honest with yourself.

You may be experiencing digital abuse if your partner:

• Decides who can or can’t be your friend online.
• Checks your phone for pictures, texts, and outgoing calls.
• Sends you negative, insulting or threatening emails, tweets, and messages.
• Posts negative comments about you on social media sites.
• Uses social media sites to keep track of you.
• Insults you in his status updates.
• Sends you unwanted, explicit pictures.
• Pressures you to send him explicit videos or sexts.
• Insists that you give him your passwords.
• Texts you so much that you feel afraid that you’re being stalked.
• Uses technology (such as spyware or GPS) to monitor where you are.

If you can relate to any of the above, you may be in an unhealthy relationship. If you feel safe doing so, calmly talk to your dating partner and set your boundaries. But if talking to your boyfriend or girlfriend makes you uncomfortable or afraid, a Safe Journey teen counselor advocate is available to listen to your concerns. Call Safe Journey at (814) 438-2675 for a free and confidential conversation.