Monterey County Health Department highlights 'Safe Dates' campaign to help parents talk with teens about healthy relationships

The County of Monterey Health Department is promoting a "Safe Dates/Trusted Adult" campaign aimed at preventing teen dating violence and helping parents and caregivers talk with young people about healthy relationships.

Julia Murado of the County Health Department said the campaign is funded through a CDC Prevail grant and is a collaboration across the department’s youth programming. The campaign shares student-created posters and videos and supports health teachers who were trained to implement the California Healthy Youth Act curriculum in Salinas Unified High School District.

"We link parents to local and national resources to continue their education," Murado said, describing classroom activities that conclude with students producing artwork or short videos summarizing what they learned. The department’s goal is to translate those classroom conversations into home discussions and to equip adults with simple tools and discussion starters.

Murado said the health department has in the past offered "askable adult" one-on-one sessions and workshops—ranging from one-hour events to multi-day formats—but attendance has been lower than hoped. She asked parents, school sites and community organizations to share preferences for formats (three-minute instructional videos, shorter workshops, or longer sessions) by email so the department can tailor outreach to community needs.

The campaign also features a targeted social media presence on English and Spanish County accounts during Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, and Murado said staff will continue to support schools and community partners implementing the curriculum.