As school gets back in session for most central Illinois schools this week, a group of central Illinois professionals is encouraging parents to engage their teenagers regarding healthy romantic relationships.

Last week on Regional Radio, we introduced listeners to the basics of teen dating violence with Jill Maxey, the Executive Director of Willow Tree Missions in Piatt County, and Andrea Kocher with DOVE Inc. in Piatt County. They point out teen dating violence can often mirror domestic abuse.

According to Maxey, social media is a bigger driver of teen dating violence today than ever before. She explains abusers will gain access to a partner's online information and gain control through that means.

Kocher points out that social media is an easy avenue for stalking and harassing an individual. She explains it is a tool for an abuser to maintain control.

Deputy Lindsey Bross is the Piatt County Sheriff's Office School Resource Officer in Piatt County and points out law enforcement has to get involved in situations when the relationship turns a corner into 'sexting' and exchanging sexually explicit images.

We'll hear from her still this week on Regional Radio News.