Coercive Control Beyond Teen Romance: When Technology, Employers, and Human Rights Collide

Coercive control is a concept that has traditionally been associated with intimate relationships, particularly involving teenagers. However, a recent story we heard on ABC Radio Brisbane prompted deeper reflection—revealing that this issue is not confined to young love. The underlying dynamic of power, manipulation, and surveillance can emerge in other spheres too, including the workplace.

As Australia's digital and social landscape evolves, so too does the way coercive behaviours manifest—not only between partners, but at times, between employers and employees.

Coercive Control and Teen Relationships: A Recap

Teenagers today are growing up immersed in digital connectivity. Apps like Life360, Snap Map, and Find My iPhone are often presented as tools for safety and convenience. But within relationships, they can become weapons of surveillance.

What starts as "just wanting to know you're safe" can morph into accusations for being unreachable, pressure to share passwords, and isolation from friends. These are hallmarks of coercive control—a pattern of behaviour designed to dominate and limit a person’s autonomy.

Read more: eSafety - When 'love' becomes control

More resources for young people: Attorney-General's Department – Coercive Control

Coercive Control Beyond Teen Romance: When Technology, Employers, and Human Rights Collide

When Employers Cross the Line: Digital Coercion at Work

Coercive control is not limited to the private or romantic sphere. In some modern workplaces, especially where remote work or constant digital contact is normalised, employees may feel pressured to remain available after hours, respond instantly to emails or messages, or even account for their movements outside rostered time.

This type of digital overreach from employers can mirror the same controlling dynamic seen in unhealthy relationships. It may not be overtly abusive, but it fosters fear, stress, and a loss of personal freedom—hallmarks of a coercive environment.

Recognising this, Australia has taken a significant legislative step to curb such practices.

The Right to Disconnect: A Human Rights-Infused Reform

On 26 August 2024, new laws were introduced by the Federal Government granting workers a legal right to disconnect. Under this reform, employees now have the right to ignore calls, messages, and emails from their employer outside of working hours without facing disciplinary action or disadvantage.

This new right is based on growing global recognition that constant availability is damaging to health, wellbeing, and work-life balance.

The Fair Work Commission provides detailed guidance on the application of these laws:Right to Disconnect Fact Sheet – FWC

As outlined by Gilbert + Tobin, the right aims to ensure that workers can "enjoy uninterrupted personal time" and reduce the expectation of being constantly reachable.

This is not just a legal issue—it intersects with broader human rights concerns. Article 24 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights recognises the right to rest and leisure, including reasonable limitation of working hours. When employers exert digital coercion, they risk infringing on this basic right.

Technology-Facilitated Control: One Pattern, Many Contexts

Whether in a teenage relationship or a workplace, coercive control thrives when there is a lack of boundaries, knowledge, and enforcement. The tools used may differ—messaging apps, GPS trackers, work communication platforms—but the goal is the same: domination.

Just as we teach young people to recognise the red flags of abuse in relationships, we must also empower workers to recognise and resist undue employer pressure facilitated by digital means.

Support Services and Further Reading

For teens:

• 1800RESPECT – https://www.1800respect.org.auNational counselling and support service for people impacted by violence.

• eSafety Commissioner – Coercive Control and Tech Safety

For workers:

• Fair Work Ombudsman – www.fairwork.gov.au

Conclusion

Whether it’s a possessive partner tracking every move, or an employer demanding out-of-hours availability, coercive control in any form is a serious issue. The introduction of the right to disconnect is a welcome move that recognises the importance of boundaries and respect in all relationships—not just romantic ones.

It is time we expanded our understanding of coercive control and equipped every individual—teen or adult—with the tools to identify, challenge, and escape its grip.