Setting Clear Digital Boundaries

When I was a teenager, answering machines had just been invented (many people didn’t even own one), and call waiting was nonexistent. There was no email, no Facebook, no IM’ing. What did this mean when it came to the dating scene? Most communication was done via notes passed in class or the occasional late-night phone conversation. If you were lucky enough to have a phone in your bedroom, this conversation could take place in relative privacy. If you didn’t, like me, you kept your convos short and sweet since your mom, dad, sister, and cat were likely all listening in.

My how things have changed. With just about everyone having a cell phone these days, getting in touch isn’t the problem. For many, the real challenge is staying out of touch. It can be hard to get some peace and quiet, especially when someone you’re dating has decided that your cell phone or computer is their way of staying virtually attached to you at the hip, no matter where you are, day or night.

To help teens deal with this, That’s Not Cool has emerged. This website provides teens with tools to handle it when and if you’re feeling pressure or being disrespected in cyberspace.  This national public education campaign uses digital examples of controlling, pressuring, and threatening behavior to raise awareness about and prevent teen dating abuse. You’ll find funny videos (can you say sock puppets?), games, discussion forums, and callout cards, all aimed at helping you figure out where you want to draw the digital line and providing you with ideas for gracefully getting out of awkward digital situations.

Check out this video, and then visit the That’s Not Cool site for more info!