COMMON ISSUES
The main cause of relationship issues leading to students dropping out of school is lack of education. As a counselor, it is valuable that you inform girls of their right to an education and teach boys that telling their girlfriends to drop out of school is not acceptable.
HOW TO RECOGNIZE IT
- You have noticed a change in student's mood, personality, eating habits etc. since they have started dating their partner.
- The student in with their partner after every class, and when out with friends because they don’t want to make their partner “worry” or “get upset.”
- Their partner tells them what to wear, who to hang out with and when they can see their friends.
- Their partner is constantly jealous, possessive and controlling. They keep tabs on your friend to see where they are, who they hang out with, and who they are talking to.
- Misses school many days after just receiving a boyfriend.
HOW TO HELP
- Approach the student in a calm manner and ask them about their relationship.
- Do not start out by accusing the student in being in a negative relationship as the reason why they are not attending school anymore.
- Ask questions.
- Make sure that they feel valued and that they can be independent and successful on their own.
- Even if a student does not wish to gain full time employment after graduation, completing a high school degree can help improve her future family.
RESOURCES
Women's Resource Center
http://www.projectpave.org/just-teens
http://www.projectpave.org/just-teens