By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
In many ways, technology has changed the dating landscape over the past 20 years. And some things never change. On March 9, USD 428 is hosting a Teen Dating and Relationship Resource, Support, and Info Night for students and family members of Great Bend High School and middle school students. The event will feature guest speakers from the Family Crisis Center and Great Bend Police Department. GBHS Family Engagement Coordinator Chuy Loera said the event is a platform to educate students and their families about some of the dangers of intimate relationships.
"As a parent, you want to hopefully give them some ideas of signs to look for in a healthy and unhealthy relationship, and maybe give them some talking points on how to engage in some of those difficult conversations with their teens so they can assist them with whatever situation they're in."
Among the topics planned are how teens can build healthy relationships, what abuse looks like, and how sexting can make a lasting impact for those who send and receive photos.
"We just really feel like it's important to help our students, as they're starting to develop relationships and friendships, to have a good foundation of what is a healthy relationship, and how to be safe as they're dating," said GBMS Family Engagement Coordinator Saylem Ryff.
Studies show some 1.5 million high school students in the U.S. have experience physical abuse in a dating relationship. Just 33 percent of those teens ever told anyone about the abuse. According to cyberbullying.org, approximately 14 percent of middle and high school students nationwide have sent explicit images to another person, and 23 percent have received similar images.
"It's a whole different dynamic than when we were dating and having relationships, with all the digital and social media that's available today," Ryff said. "We want to ensure our families feel empowered and feel like they have some resources, support, and help, and making sure our students are safe in healthy relationships."
The event will take place at the GBHS Auditorium at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 9, and is expected to last approximately 90 minutes. All GBMS and GBHS students and families are invited to attend.