Middle school is an important developmental time in the lives of young teens, when learning to identify what’s healthy and unhealthy in relationships is crucial. Advances in the science of brain development indicate that this is a period of social emotional learning and empathy maturity thus offering a key opportunity for education and prevention.

For most young teens, these are the years when transition from childhood to adulthood begins, new peer and social influences come into play, and jealousy, anger, and pressure to conform are felt in more powerful and personal ways.  It is during this period that many youth begin dating or start establishing romantic or sexual relationships for the first time. This also often is the first time the behaviors they saw in their homes and families, and the lessons they have learned from peers and from popular culture, are manifested in their own relationships. So these are the critical years when effective prevention must begin.

Start Strong communities are implementing either the Fourth R or Safe Dates curriculum in middle schools across the nation. The curricula promote healthy relationship development among adolescents, focusing on concepts such as conflict resolution, communication skills, healthy decision-making, equitable gender roles and self confidence. Both curricula have been rigorously tested and evaluated.