Cell phones and Abuse
Cell phones are a great way to keep in touch with friends and
family. But, they can also play a role in teen dating abuse. Because phone
calls, texting and messaging allow you to be in constant communication, cell
phones can be a powerful tool for abusers to monitor and control their
girlfriends or boyfriends day and night.
If you are feeling threatened or suffocated by your partner’s
endless need to keep track of you, it may be a sign that you are in an
unhealthy and probably in a dangerous relationship. If the person you are with
says or does anything that makes you scared, makes you feel bad about yourself,
or tries to controls you, it is verbal or emotional abuse. It doesn’t matter if
the person is online or by phone, abuse is the same. You have the right to be
in a safe and healthy relationship, free from all types of abuse.
Some tips that can help you safely use your cell phone:
Remember, it is always okay to turn off you phone. (just be sure your
parent or guardian knows
how to
contact you).
Do not answer calls from unknown numbers. Your abuser can easily call
you from another line if
he/she
suspects you are avoiding them.
Do not respond to tough, harassing, abusive or not very nice texts or
messages. If you respond, it
will
encourage the person who sent the message. You won’t get the person to stop-and
your
messages
might get you in trouble and make it harder to get a restraining order or file
criminal
report.
Many phone companies can block up to ten numbers from texting or calling
you. Contact your
phone
company or check their website to see if you can do this on your phone.
Remember that pictures on cell phones can be easily shared and passed
around. Be careful what
images
you take and send out.
It may seem harsh, but if the harassment will not stop, change your
phone number.
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