Teenage relational violence: A framework for recognition, assessment, and prevention

Adolescents today must navigate a world shaped by digital relationships, social pressures, and rapidly changing expectations around identity and connection. These pressures effect both boys and girls, but this workshop will focus on the impact on boys. One consequence of these changes is a rise in relational violence, leaving clinicians and educators wondering what they can do to prevent its spread.

This timely, skills-based training equips mental health professionals with evidence-informed tools to recognize and assess teens at risk of relational aggression. Through a case-based discussion anchored in the critically acclaimed Netflix series, “Adolescence”, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the interplay between trauma, peer pressures, parental confusion, and digital influences such as “the manosphere”.  Each session blends developmental theory with practical application, offering tools that can be used in clinical settings.

“What does it take to push a seemingly normal teen over the edge? This course will offer a practical approach to understanding the teen male psyche. In the process, both the complexity and simplicity of an answer will become apparent.” – Dr. Marshall Korenblum.

Learning objectives:

Understand ways in which we can improve the safety and security of today’s teenagers.

Core drivers of teen relational violence, including distorted masculinity and the need to impose social hierarchies.

The impact of social media, cyberbullying, and online echo chambers (including  “the manosphere”).

Hallmarks of effective clinical assessments and red flags of the transition from ideology to action.

Strategies for recognizing and supporting distressed/overwhelmed parents.