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Teenagers

Parenting teenagers has its ups and downs. Get advice from Mumsnetters here.

At a complete loss over dd age 14

235 replies

Carrotcakeforbreakfast · 22/11/2019 22:28

This is going to be long so you have my apologies.

Up until now my dd has been a lovely teenager to be around. We were really close and got on.
She has quite a negative opinion of herself looks which I find ridiculous even removing bias.

She hadn't had a boyfriend until this May and she " met a boy" on Instagram. He knows one of her Male schoolfriends and they started chatting.
I wasnt concerned at all.
He lives 50 miles away so I thought this will be good really as she won't see him so much that it will have a negative effect on her schoolwork, family, hobbies and friends.

How wrong I was.

She has changed so much and I just need to vent really. I know what I think deep down.

I have met him and felt guarded towards him but put that down to being protective mum etc.
A few weeks ago she asked if she could attend a party at one of his friends house ( a friend I do not know and who lives by him) so miles away.
I was at work until late and said I didn't want to drive over as i had an early start. Plus she had seen him at our house 2 days before.
Anyway she was furious at this and suggested she got the train. I point blank refused as she hasn't ever got the train alone before due to her going to school in a rural area. I tend to drive her in or a school bus collects her.
That aside it is an hour and a half journey. 2 stops, passing through to different cities and she wanted to go at 7pm and get the last train at 11pm.
Again I said nope. Too young, too alone, too unsafe and as I didn't know where she was going it wasnt going to change.
She completely lost her temper and screaming how much she hates me etc.
I checked her phone later that evening and this boyfriend was saying stuff like
" your parents don't care about you baby, they just care about upsetting you"
" your dad is a wanker and your mum is a bitch"

I spoke to her about it and she said he was just angry.
I asked her to text him and say look it isn't going to happen just leave it.
And as she picked her phone up he messaged and it said
" I am going to wank in your face and then slap you"

I took the phone off her at this point. I'm not naive enough to think they talk about the weather. I was a teenager once but I was majorly uncomfortable with this.

When she had her phone back I told her I wanted to check it as and when I felt the need.
One evening she had fell asleep with it next to her ( earlier than phones downstairs time)
So I took it and brought it downstairs to charge.
A message popped up

" you said we could do bondage and make porn, you would if you loved me"
I then messaged him and said this is her mother and I suggest you rethink what you have just said.
He then dumped her as I'm such a bitch.

She seemed happier and said she wasnt talking to him but I found out yesterday she still is and they are back together.
And he has been applying for part time weekend jobs for her so I cant take her phone off her if she pays for it.
She has changed beyond all recognition and clearly hates me right now. She is utterly besotted with him.

Other messages I have seen off him go on about her being imperfect but this makes her more appealing princess

I cant help but think it all seems very manipulative.
I'm not even sure why I am writing this I'm just so worried about how much she has changed.

Any advice?
Give me a toddler any day. Jesus christ Sad

OP posts:
avocadoincident · 24/11/2019 12:50

Apparently these are good apps. I can't personally vouch for them but they are recommended by a friend.

Kidslox and OurPact

UnexpectedItemInShaggingArea · 24/11/2019 12:55

Your DD must have some low self esteem which makes her vulnerable

I disagree with this, it's very easy for teenagers to be drawn in to this kind of thing, even if they are confident and "together". They are immature by definition.

OP I think you are handling it really well and I hope the police are proactive on your behalf.

Windygate · 24/11/2019 13:25

@Carrotcakeforbreakfast you handled that call brilliantly. I'd call the police again and explain that inappropriate photos have been exchanged and he is threatening to share them. The police may be able to send somebody today to see DD.
Sadly he is likely to have shared the images, this needs shutting down.

Paddlinglikehell · 24/11/2019 16:04

I am so sorry to read this thread, it’s shocking and a warning to us all too. My daughter had been chatting with someone on line which was scary enough as like you I never knew she could be quite so secretive and hide stuff like she did, but that’s another thread!

You have been amazing op, and the information on here has been invaluable. I just can’t imagine what you’re going through, your poor girl, even though she doesn’t express it, she must be so relieved. ❤️

Lindy2 · 24/11/2019 16:05

Hopefully your DD will start to realise what a complete low life this boy is now. I hope a Police visit frightens the life out of him.

With any luck he will stop contacting your DD as soon as it causes him any aggravation. He doesn't have any genuine feelings for her and won't like the hassle he is now getting. That will work in your and your DD's favour.

You're doing a great job. In time she will appreciate what you did to protect her.

Pumpkintopf · 24/11/2019 16:11

Op it's so good to hear that your daughter is perhaps starting to realise what a lowlife this guy is. So shocked that a 15yo would behave like this. I hope his mum and the police well and truly get the message across that this is not acceptable (and if he is involved in anything more sinister-county lines or grooming rings- that the police find out).

Carrotcakeforbreakfast · 24/11/2019 18:26

I'll be speaking to the police next Monday evening.
I may go onto live chat and update the log so I know about photos
They messaged last night after they cancelled to ask me to explain they will need to take a statement off dd and I.

Dd is very upset about this but I am hoping it will give her some closure and realisation about how bad it was.

OP posts:
Carrotcakeforbreakfast · 24/11/2019 18:26

Tomorrow even.

OP posts:
Ifeelinclined · 24/11/2019 18:40

You are doing so well,OP! And I'm so proud of your daughter for starting to talk to you. That shows she trusts you and knows you will help her. She's probably very scared right now, and you being her rock is exactly what she needs. Thank you for taking this so seriously and getting her the help she needs.

MrMeSeeks · 24/11/2019 18:43

Omg op your poor dd, this is horrifying.
You can warn your kids not send pics however it’s so easy in that situation with someone you think you love telling you its ok to forget.

DishingOutDone · 24/11/2019 19:38

There was a similar thread recently OP - a boy messaged the girl's mum and said he had nude photos of her, similar ages - I cant find the thread but it was still active last week as the mum was updating us on police involvement - can anyone else think how to search for it?

Hepsibar · 24/11/2019 20:12

I would also contact the school and update them confidentially as they maybe able to offer more advice to you and some services to your daughter. You may also consider having a conversation with your GP as may be able to advise on counselling.

With regard to his mother, I agree with the comments that you will go to the police if he doesnt leave her alone.

Mobiles and any interactive games will need to be removed and possibly consider friends parents if they are close and can be confidential and sensitive so doesnt make contact when with them.

She will be mad and angry and shouting and possibly expect some damage, eg your mobile, TV remote, car keys so keep these safe and poss violence against siblings who may like to wind up the situation and maybe you.

Some schools have access to family support advisers who might be able to mediate and facilitate communication.

My heart goes out to you, but you dont want this ending in teen pregnancy, drugs, reduced academic achievement ... you can be sure he will circulate any messages or images when it comes to an end and this is why you should ask the police as they can send some warning shots in a visit.

justilou1 · 24/11/2019 20:56

I’d go onto live chat ASAP before boy “loses” phone

Footle · 24/11/2019 21:31

@Hepsibar , you seem to be creating a whole new scenario or three. OP has enough to worry about with what's actually happening.

Ikeameatballs · 24/11/2019 21:43

You are really doing a fantastic job of protecting your daughter. Well done and I am pleased that the police seem to be taking it seriously. I have no doubt that he is a very dangerous individual.

Bodear · 24/11/2019 21:58

OP I was very similar to your daughter. The way you write reminds me very much of my mum.
I don’t mean to kick you when you’re down but you might want to look at the stately homes threads.
I hope you find a way to help your daughter improve her self esteem which is ultimately the only thing that will keep her safe in the long term.

Wilberforce1 · 24/11/2019 22:04

@Bodear are you actually suggesting that the op is bordering on being an abusive parent? Her daughter is 14, the emotions and self esteem are all over the place. I suggest you read op's posts again and see how amazingly she has dealt with this and like you say not kick her when she is down.

Paddy1234 · 24/11/2019 22:16

OP - you are doing amazingly in what is an absolute terrifying time. Can I thank you on including us all in it - whether we like it or not this is not a one off and it is a learning curve for all
us parents with teenagers
❤️

Carrotcakeforbreakfast · 24/11/2019 22:26

Bodear.

She has the self-esteem of a typical teen. Her and her friends are all the same.

I'm sorry you had a bad childhood but my DC certainly don't.

OP posts:
Carrotcakeforbreakfast · 24/11/2019 22:28

I think it is really important to update you all.
I hadn't heard of grooming between children. A lot of the stuff I have read has been aimed at the groomer being an adult.

I hope nobody needs to use this thread but I am happy it is here if anyone does need it.

I have updated the police about the photos. They have now said they will be speaking to him sooner. They're taking it all very seriously and quite honestly have been wonderful.

OP posts:
Bodear · 24/11/2019 22:38

@Wilberforce1 all I’m saying is that given OP says her DD “has quite a negative opinion of herself” and that this seems to be what the boy is leveraging, It would be good for OP to assist her daughter with that in the medium term after this crisis is over.
OP, something has lead your DD to accepting this boy when her friend turned him down as “creepy”.
I wish you and your daughter well.

Paddy1234 · 24/11/2019 22:56

As a parent of a 17 year old, I can tell you all it's a minefield for everyone out there and to be honest it's a bit of luck if you manage to avoid it.
Let me tell you that there have been instances over the past couple of years - ok not as severe as poor OP is living - that friends have had to deal with. It bypasses no one.

Paddy1234 · 24/11/2019 22:57

Every parent of a teenager should read this thread and take heed.
OP ❤️

QueenOfOversharing · 24/11/2019 23:11

I'm glad the police are taking it so seriously - as it IS serious!

Take care OP - really hope things settle down soon for you all.

IndieTara · 24/11/2019 23:27

My DD is about to turn 11 and your thread has made me realise how dangerous being online can be. I already monitor my DD's phone ( her dad gave it to her. I think she's too young ) but this has really hit home