Adolescents are often trapped in unhealthy relationships or toxic relationships, either with friends, girlfriends, siblings, or parents and their environment.
It is necessary to beware and handle this problematic relationship as it can take up time and energy. It can also harm physical and mental health and affect the learning ability and social interactions of adolescents.
“It can lead to anxiety, stress, insecurity, and, for some, trauma. You might feel anxious and stressed, your mental health and your mind might be disturbed. You cannot concentrate on studying, and it can interrupt your ability to perform daily activities,” explained the Head of the Department of Behavior, Environmental Health, and Social Medicine, FKKMK UGM, Prof. Raden Ajeng Yayi Suryo Prabandari.
She conveyed this in a webinar organized by the Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing (FK-KMK) UGM, Friday (26/3), entitled “Toxic Relationship: Avoiding Problematic Relationships among Youth”.
This activity is one of the FK-KMK UGM outreach programs for teenagers, students, teachers, and parents on preventing and avoiding problematic relationships. It is part of a series of events commemorating the anniversary and lustrum of FK-KMK UGM in the Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) 2021.
In this webinar, Yayi explains several characteristics of toxic behavior, including constantly criticizing, avoiding emotional relationships with other people, and hiding problems.
In a toxic relationship pattern, usually, there is poor communication, and the individuals in the relationship do not become themselves and can even feel pressured.
Therefore, she explained, seven signs need to be watched out for in a relationship pattern. These include gender-based comments, negative comments on appearance or understanding, verbal aggression, social restrictions, and overprotective attitudes.
Other signs include comments, criticism, or jokes against friends or partners in public and breakup threats.
“These are signs to watch out for, which can lead to toxic behavior,” she explained.
On the same occasion, FK-KMK teacher, Fitrina M. Kusumaningrum mentioned several precautions that can be done, especially in dating relationships among adolescents.
Adolescents, she explained, need to have an understanding of healthy relationships, be able to make healthy decisions, and learn healthy ways of communication.
In addition, adolescents need to introduce their partners to their parents to bring out a sense of partner responsibility, set boundaries in relationships, and be assertive.
“Assertiveness is important in relationships. When the boundaries are breached, we must be able to say no,” she said.
Parents and families should strengthen relationships with their children by giving more attention and time and appreciate them.
Parents also need to establish open communication with their children, learn to listen, understand and respect their opinions, and discuss healthy relationships with them.
