You deserve to be in a safe and healthy relationship, whether in person or online. If your partner is digitally abusive, know their behavior is not acceptable and could be illegal. Check out our tips below for staying safe on social networking sites like TikTok, Twitter, Snapchat and others.
Online Abuse or Harassment
Leaving an Abusive Relationship
We recommend you don’t check-in your location to online social networking sites or apps — you don’t want your ex or their friends tracking your movements.
Remember, registering for some apps require you to change your privacy settings.
Consider what is called a “super-logoff” — deactivating your account every time you log off and reactivating it every time you log back on. This way, no one can post on your page, tag you or see your content when you’re offline, but you still have all of your friends, wall posts, photos, etc. when you log back on.
Your Friend’s Safety
If your friend is in an unhealthy or abusive relationship, be careful what you post about them. Pictures, locations, check-ins — even simple statements can be used to control or hurt them. If you’re unsure of what’s ok to post, get your friend’s permission before you click “Share.”
Getting Help
You don’t have to give up your devices or online presence if digital dating violence is happening to you. It’s possible to use technology safely.
If you or someone you know thinks they are experiencing digital dating violence, chat with a trusted adult or seek help from one of the organizations listed below. Often digital dating violence may be part of a continuum of gender-based violence that can be both online and in person.
You are not alone and there are confidential safe support services available.
Spark Teen Digital Dating Violence Project
This document is a part of BCSTH’s Teen Digital Dating Violence Toolkit for Teens. This document, or any portion thereof, may be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever as long as acknowledgment to the BC Society of Transition Houses is included in the product.
This document was published March 2022.
Adapted for Canada from Day One, New York, United States.
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