877-632-9123Boys Town Experts Suggest Dating Education Starts Long Before Dating
Why Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to teach teens healthy relationship skills
Boys Town, Neb. (February 3, 2026) — Valentine’s Day often sparks conversations about dating and relationships, but behavioral health experts say those conversations should begin long before teens go on their first date. According to youth counseling experts at Boys Town, teaching healthy relationship skills early is a key form of prevention that can help protect teens from emotional harm later on.
Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that about 1 in 12 high school students experience physical dating violence, and nearly 1 in 10 experience sexual dating violence, underscoring the importance of early education around boundaries, consent, and respect.
“Healthy relationships don’t come naturally, they’re learned,” said Dr. Stephanie Liollio, a Boys Town behavioral health expert. “Valentine’s Day creates a natural opportunity for parents to talk about what healthy relationships look like before teens ever start dating.”
What Healthy Teen Relationships Actually Look Like
Experts emphasize that healthy teen relationships are built on skills, not intensity or constant connection. Key signs include:
- Mutual respect, where both people feel valued and heard
- Clear communication without fear or pressure
- Comfort saying “no” without guilt
- Independence, not control, allowing teens to maintain friendships and interests
“When teens understand that respect and boundaries are non-negotiable, they’re more likely to recognize when something doesn’t feel right,” Dr. Liollio said.
Teaching Consent and Boundaries Early
Consent is often misunderstood as only applying to physical touch, but experts stress it should be taught much earlier and more broadly.
“Consent applies to time, emotions, and digital space,” Dr. Liollio explained. “Kids who learn boundaries early are better equipped to protect themselves and advocate for their needs.”
Red Flags Parents Often Miss
Some unhealthy behaviors can be mistaken for affection, especially early in teen relationships. Experts encourage parents to watch for warning signs such as:
- Pressure to respond immediately to texts or messages
- Isolation from friends or family
- Monitoring social media or phone activity
- Guilt disguised as affection
“These behaviors can start subtly,” Dr. Liollio said. “That’s why prevention, not reaction, is so important.”
A Preventive Approach to Teen Relationships
Boys Town experts encourage families to focus on teaching relationship skills early, using everyday examples from friendships, social situations, and media.
“The goal isn’t to scare kids, it’s to empower them,” Dr. Liollio said. “When teens understand what healthy relationships look like, they’re better prepared to build them, and to walk away from unhealthy ones.”
Boys Town experts are available for interviews to discuss teen dating, healthy relationships, consent, and early prevention strategies for families. For more information or to schedule an interview, contact Jordan Weinandt at jordan.weinandt@boystown.org or 531-355-1273.
About Boys Town
For over a century, Boys Town has been a beacon of hope, transforming the lives of America's children and families through innovative youth, research, and healthcare programs. Boys Town provides compassionate, research-proven education, prevention, training, and treatment for behavioral and physical problems in multiple locations throughout the United States, with a comprehensive array of resources and services. In 2024, more than 3.5 million children and families across the United States were impacted by Boys Town programs. You can find more information about Boys Town online at www.boystown.org.
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