Nowadays, the acronym FWB (Friends Without Benefits) is commonly used on social networks and chats, especially by teens who are starting to explore relationships. Although the term might seem casual, there are always hidden problems, whether emotional or physical.
So, let us examine FWB’s meaning, its consequences, and its influence on adolescents’ decision-making processes!
What does FWB mean?
FWB is short for Friends with Benefits, a relationship where two people engage in sexual activities without formal commitment, such as hugging, kissing, and cuddling, among other actions. In this framework, both participants lack the labels of boyfriend or girlfriend.
Moreover, both friends recognise that this is not a romantic situation, but more of a scenario to appreciate and decompress when needed. For example, they are still free to hang out together to watch movies or sleep over at each other’s houses.
How people talk about FWB?
FWB is one of those phrases that I think everyone has come across on social media as well as on dating apps and forums. We are going to dissect this in parts for the sake of clarity and offer different examples.
FWB on social media
On social media like TikTok, Twitter, and Instagram, people post memes, quotes, and videos related to FWB, for example:
- “FWB is ‘fun’ until someone ‘cares’ too much. 😅”
- “FWB does not include any commitment on his part, so he does not ‘play’ the boyfriend role.”
- “FWB is easier…until one person wants it to be less complicated.”
This illustrates social media’s ability to address issues with a degree of humour, however, social media does not focus purely on the comic side.
FWB on dating applications
Some people are actively looking for FWB on dating apps such as Tinder, Bumble and Hinge. Actually those people are looking for a friend with whom they can engage in sexual activities without any emotional entanglements. For example:
- “FWB only, No relationship required.”
- “Prefer to be FWB. Only fun, no drama.”
- “Only low effort, not a full relationship.”
FWB in online communities
Aside from Reddit, there are a multitude of chatting communities that host open forums for discussion, enabling users to both seek and provide advice on concepts such as FWB.
Let us look at the queries and responses pertaining to FWB posted on such online forums.
- “Do I have the right to retain the friendship after all is said and done with FWB?”
- “Honestly, I never thought I would get that attached, but I appreciate him much more now.”
- “What serious action does someone need to take in order to tell an FWB that they seriously want to tell him something that is referred to as serious?”
Are FWB relationships safe for teens?
As a parent, you should know that children today use the abbreviation FWB in their chats, as discussed earlier. Now you know the FWB meaning, so you have to be cautious as it may come with the following risks!
Use parental controls to track your teens online interactions.
Cause complicated emotions: When your kids engage in FWB-type relationships, then everything may appear calm and uncomplicated for some time. But eventually, one of the parties involved tends to feel quite strongly. Thus, it causes emotional imbalance among teens.
Hence, your adolescent teen feels as if they are in a caged head, screaming to the world while being made to step into a new bounded headspace. Thus, it contributes to the emotional confusion that they struggle to solve.
Jealousy is possible: Also, as both parties consent to having a casual relationship. But keep in mind that feelings will always operate beyond parameters set by humans. When a teen notices that other people get too close to his girlfriend, he gets a strange mix of jealousy and sadness out of nowhere. From there, it can escalate into more serious problems.
People May Criticise Them: Furthermore, there may also talk begin to circulate in a community. Teenagers then become concerned about their image and face a drop in self-esteem due to a disproportionate, unfavourable perception based on peer relations. In addition, girls have to confront some irrational social labels that are utterly embarrassing and create unwanted pressure.
How can parents approach the topic of FWB with their teens?
If you spot your kids using the acronym FWB, then it is time for a talk. Sounds strange, I know, but it is better to talk to them before they form erroneous assumptions because of their friends or the internet. Always remember that this kind of talk is an indication that you care and are willing to help.
While trying to solve such sensitive issues with children, making use of these tips may still help!
Maintain a positive and open voice
While in discussion, try being friendly and laid-back. For instance, they will help you in formulating the question in a way that they want the answer to be a yes. “Have you ever come across the word fwb?” For follow-up options, be sure to stick to friendly opinions such as “What do your friends say about relationships?”
Such phrases as the above will help ensure that the child feels relaxed enough to converse with you.
Talk less than you listen
If your children start talking to you, then encourage them to provide a detailed explanation in a monologue. Let them explain to the best of their ability, and don’t interrupt with “defence” stands after. Instead, try to sit back and remain level-headed.
Recognise that even teens, just like adults, may be struggling with unresolved feelings and thoughts. Listening profoundly, whether in its active or passive form, communicates to the adolescent that his or her feelings are important.
Explain the risks clearly
After listening, assist them in clarifying the Concept. It shifts away from viewing a relationship as “commitment”, which, to begin with, seems wonderful but eventually sinks into sadness and depression.
Stay involved in their digital life
Furthermore, as teenagers discuss FWB on platforms, you need to supervise these forums. For this purpose, FlashGet Kids is one of the software programs that aids you in controlling who your children chat with online in real time, and, hence, try to use it effectively.
FWB vs. Casual dating: What parents need to know
As a guardian, you should be aware that FWB (Friends with Benefits) is different from casual dating. At first glance, both can appear the same, but there are differences that can impact your child’s mental health. For instnace;
FWB refers to an arrangement wherein two already friends have sexual relations without any commitment or emotional entanglement. Casual dating, on the other hand, involves individuals dating each other and engaging in various activities together.
Let us take a look at the primary distinctions of FWB and casual dating and their impacts on mental well-being.
| FWB | Casual dating | |
| Emotional Attachment | Little or no emotional bonding, they are mainly physical. | There can be minor emotional bonds, but not serious in nature. |
| Communication | Underlying themes do not include deep talk. | Emotions and feelings are discussed openly. |
| Feelings | Expectations are absent regarding a long-term commitment. | There is no long-term commitment however, more is expected than physical interaction. |
| Risks | Emotionally hurts one who develops stronger feelings. | Emotional ups and downs, but generally less risky than FWB. |
| Public Perception | Often seen as casual or “risky” by others. | Unlike hook-up culture, this is perceived as less serious but socially more acceptable. |
Signs that your teen might be involved in a relationship
As a responsible parent, you must monitor all activities of your child. Just because a child doesn’t talk about something doesn’t mean it’s safe to assume. Parental guidance is always needed. Here, I’m going to discuss some pointers which help you notice that whether your teens are dating anyone or not!
➢Increased Online Privacy: I want to ask some questions: Are your kids being more secretive about how they use their phones? Do you catch them shielding their phone screens during texting? Have they started changing privacy settings on social media? If so, then do remember! All these activities may suggest attempts at hiding something, such as a new partner or even a crush.
➢Social circles: Moreover, focus on the people your child spends time with. For instance, if your child begins to socialise with a new person or a group and stops meeting all their previous friends, that may suggest the chances of developing a romantic attachment. So, understanding these changes can go a long way in revealing what is unfolding.
➢Emotional Indicators of Distress: In addition, emotions can be very revealing and arm signals. So, has your adolescent become quieter than before? If yes, this might mean that something is troubling them. Moreover, positive emotions can be taken to an extreme, like being more distractible than usual and overly cheerful, which could hint at some form of romantic involvement.
➢Shifts in Behaviour: Lastly, observe any persistent changes in their daily habits. Change is one of the first warning signs that something is amiss, whether it’s emotional turmoil, discontent within a relationship, or some other form of stress.
How to help your teen navigate relationships?
It’s possible you’re feeling overwhelmed regarding how to assist your child with friendships and social interactions. No need to worry! In this article, I’m going to offer some strategies that I believe will be helpful.
{H3SequenceNumber-1} Useful dialogue
As always, a neutral discussion is best for resolving a conflict. Describe the context in a way that helps the child capture some important details. For example, “So, how did the catch-up go with your friends?” or “What do you think is a good relationship?”. When your children understand that you are trying to hear them without any judgment, believe me, they will discuss everything with you.
Teach that boundaries matter
Tell your kid that in any relationship, there should always be some positive boundaries put in place. Explain to them that, “You should always feel happy in any kind the relationship, never pressured.” This is adequately enriching to children’s self-efficacy. Consequently, during their journey, chances are, they will make much better decisions.
Discuss healthy relationships.
Don’t forget, no matter the case, all relationships formed have some basic foundational elements, which consist of trust, kindness, respect, and general decorum. Help them recall instead of lecturing, drifting far away from the point.
Monitor online activity
And finally, do not disregard the fact that cyberspace and what is done online on social networks is of crucial significance for your adolescent. So, from a protective standpoint, knowing what he or she does online is imperative.
This is exactly where FlashGet Kids comes in handy. This parental control software allows monitoring of chat messages. For instance, owing to its keyword detection feature, you can customise keywords related to inappropriate content. Thus, if your kids try to use such words in their chats, then you will get an instant alert.
Moreover, you can also set screen time limits on your kid’s devices and even on individual apps, thus helping kids to develop healthy digital habits. Furthermore, you can also screen mirror your kid’s device, thus you can see live to whom your kids are chatting.
To recap, remaining calm, connected, and consistent helps your teen to establish a healthy, respectful relationship now and in the future.
