As kids get set to get back to school in the next few weeks, they will quickly be reunited with friends they haven't seen in some time.

New friendships and romantic relationships will be forged and local experts are imploring parents to be mindful of the things kids are doing online. Andrea Kocher with DOVE Inc. in Piatt County says teen dating violence happens in roughly one in ten Piatt County relationships.

On the WHOW Morning Show Wednesday, Kocher told Regional Radio teen dating violence will look a little different than domestic abuse. While they may not be stuck in the same home as their abuser, they can be stuck in a relationship.

Jill Maxey is the Executive Director of Willow Tree Missions in Piatt County and says when kids approach adults about a situation they are dealing with, we need to believe them. Piatt County Sheriff's Office Deputy Lindsey Bross - the School Resource Officer - notes many times she encounters a victim who has disclosed the information to someone who encourages that person to come forward.

We'll have more from Kocher, Maxey, and Det. Bross next week on Regional Radio on teen dating violence as school gets back in session across much of central Illinois.