Independent research on previous In the Mix specials have shown that these programs engage the interest of teenagers, deliver information, catalyse discussion on critical issues, as well as promote analytical thinking and a greater sense of self-efficacy among teens. The aim is to encourage thought and allow teens to generate their own creative solutions. In this guide, we have outlined specific questions based on the program’s content, along with answers. These questions can be used to open up more analytical discussion on related concepts.

“Many teens think an abusive relationship is usually a guy hitting a girl and just beating her,” observes one of the many perceptive teens in this powerful program about abuse in adolescent relationships. What this young woman already knows, and viewers will soon discover, is that abuse comes in many different forms, and it can be hard to recognize at first. Teenagers of diverse backgrounds, including Native Americans, speak frankly about their experiences with dating violence. What makes this program particularly unique are the stories from a male victim as well as siblings and friends.

The PBS In the Mix video 'Twisted Love: Dating Violence Exposed' or Internet research serves as a prelude to the reading of a poem about dating violence. Students engage in a discussion about the meaning of the poem, then compose an essay about their interpretation and reactions to it.

This is an online activity related to the 'In the Mix' episode, 'Cliques: Behind The Labels'. The video clips you will see are excerpts from the program, with additional comments by counseling psychologist Katie Gentile. To get the most from the 'Cliques Online' activity, it's recommended that you first watch the 30-minute video. However, you can still do the activity if you haven&'t watched the video. Just click on any of the buttons in the navigation bar above to begin; the sections don&';t have to be viewed in any particular order.

Students are first introduced to the key concepts surrounding teen dating violence. Their challenge will be to design and publish a Web site for other teens to find information on the subject. The class can be divided into teams, with each team being responsible for a section of the Web site.

Students will be given a list of dating violence information Web sites and a blank 'Dating Violence Crossword.' They are to complete the crossword by finding the answers within the various Web sites, then use their new understanding to plan a schoolwide Dating Violence Awareness campaign.

Teens from cities, small towns and suburbs nationwide – regardless of background – have spoken out during In the Mix discussion sessions and the results are astonishingly consistent: more than 90 percent have asked In the Mix for programming on dating violence. Dating violence profoundly affects their lives and their friends, yet they feel isolated and powerless, with nowhere to go for information and help. An unspoken problem and secret, dating violence is largely ignored, yet its significance reverberates far beyond the dating scene.