Video Series Puts Spotlight on Teen Dating Safety

Parents with teenagers already on the dating scene are getting a little help from the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office when it comes to broaching potentially touchy topics.

The sheriff’s office has kicked off a video series that includes six short spots focusing on such topics as dating violence, respect, consent, sexting and more.

“We had several cases last year that demonstrated a need to educate and empower teens to make wiser choices about sexual activity,” Sheriff Tom Knight was quoted in a media release as saying. “Our ultimate goal is to protect young adults. In some of these cases, victims didn’t know they were violated or the violator didn’t know what they did was wrong. Excessive alcohol was almost always involved, and when someone is impaired they cannot give consent.”

The series is being released in time for Teen Dating Violence Awareness month, the sheriff’s office noted. The short video spots are available for parental viewing on the agency’s YouTube Channel.

Throughout the week, the sheriff’s office also plans to promote the videos on Facebook and Twitter.

“Almost every topic ties back to education, which becomes really important for teens to know how to set healthy boundaries and the implications of the choices they make,” said Concetta Holmes, victim advocate coordinator. “They must also understand that respect for themselves and their partner is the key to building a good relationship.”

Check out the videos on the sheriff’s office’s YouTube page.

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