A new study by the education charity Let Me Know (LMK) has uncovered alarming levels of relationship abuse among young adults, with over a third admitting their partner has tracked their location without consent. The research, which surveyed individuals aged 16 to 25, found that 71% of young adults have experienced some form of relationship abuse, with nearly half (47%) reporting incidents within the past year.
The rise of social media platforms has exacerbated these issues, making it increasingly difficult for young people to identify abusive behaviours. Snapchat was singled out as the primary platform where such abuse occurs, with more than half (54%) of young victims indicating they were targeted through the app. Instagram also featured prominently, with 38% of respondents experiencing abuse via the platform.
The study highlighted the pervasive nature of digital abuse in relationships. One-third (35%) of those surveyed reported having their location tracked by a partner or potential partner through an app or device, a practice that 61% found uncomfortable. These findings underscore the growing concern over how technology is being misused to exert control and inflict harm in young relationships.
The top abusive behaviours identified on social media included receiving insults, threats, or hurtful comments (23%), being bombarded with an overwhelming number of messages (22%), and having social media content controlled by a partner (19%). Furthermore, one in five respondents (18%) disclosed that their private images had been used or shared without their consent by a partner, highlighting a significant gap in education about the risks associated with sharing nude images online. Only 45% of participants said they had been taught about these dangers in school.
Deirdre Kehoe, CEO of Let Me Know, expressed deep concern over the findings, emphasising the critical need for better education on recognising unhealthy relationship dynamics. “We are seeing more and more issues of young people becoming victims to abusive relationships. The research findings are alarming and they emphasise the importance of young people understanding the signs of healthy and unhealthy relationships, using this knowledge to keep themselves and their friends safe,” she said.
Ms Kehoe stressed that education is essential in preventing relationship abuse and fostering healthy, respectful relationships. LMK is actively working to address this issue through its prevention programmes, which aim to equip young people with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate relationships safely. The charity’s workshops focus on the “10 Signs” of healthy and unhealthy relationships, encouraging young people to identify and address harmful behaviours in themselves and others.
To further its educational mission, LMK has released a new film titled Know The Signs, designed to raise awareness about the signs of relationship abuse. The film highlights how young people often struggle to distinguish between healthy and unhealthy relationships due to a lack of guidance and education. It is available to view on the LMK website and forms part of the charity’s broader campaign to tackle relationship abuse, domestic violence, and sexual assault among young people.
As the prevalence of digital abuse continues to rise, LMK‘s efforts to educate and empower young people are more crucial than ever. The charity remains committed to creating a world where all young people can build safe and happy relationships, free from abuse and violence.