Kingswood Oxford Students Help Shape Teen Dating App

At a press conference at the State Capitol on Feb. 25, the CT Coalition Against Domestic Violence unveiled td411, a free mobile app filled with information and resources about teen dating violence -- an app that Kingswood Oxford students helped refine.

One in four CT teens say they’ve been physically or emotionally abused in a romantic relationship, according to the CCADV, yet few report it, partly because they are unsure what to say or who to tell. The app is meant to fill that gap.

“It is our hope that this app serves as a practical and safe way for teens to get the answers to questions that they might be too afraid to ask,” said Karen Jarmoc, chief executive office of CCADV.

Last Fall, while the app was still in development, the CCADV invited KO juniors and seniors in Carolyn McKee’s psychology class to try it out and provide feedback.

At the press conference, Wethersfield resident Melanie Doot ‘15 said she and her classmates were gratified to see some of their suggestions -- such as using more gender-neutral language -- incorporated in the final app, which was released in conjunction with Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month.

“We felt (the initial version) had too much focus on boy-to-girl abuse, and not enough on girl-to-boy abuse,” said Doot.

The app is available in English and Spanish and can be downloaded for free from the App Store or from Google Play.