CleverDan520
CleverDan520 asks:
Q:
What is the right age to start dating, and to what extent?
What age should kids be allowed to date or have a girlfiend or boyfriend? And to what extent? Like hanging out at school and talking on the phone together or going to movie and different places like that.
In Topics: Teen sexuality and dating
> 60 days ago

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Expert

lkauffman
Mar 11, 2008
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What the Expert Says:

There are a number of views on that "right" age for a teen to start dating. I personally believe that you should make the decision for your children based upon your own personal beliefs and an understanding of your teen's emotional and physical development.

You should know that there is research that demonstrates that children ages 10-12 who begin steady dating often do more poorly in school and have more behavior problems. Thus, there is some agreement as to what is too "young", but there is little understanding of a universal right age. Most experts believe that if teens under age 15 are allowed to date, they should engage in group dates exclusively and a responsible adult should be present.

For more on teen dating, take a look at the following article and section of this website:

http://www.education.com/reference/article/Ref_Teens_Dating_Tips/

http://www.education.com/reference/topic/TeenYears_TeenDatingAndSex/

L. Compian, Ph.D.
Education.com Team

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Additional Answers (6)

carlo vic
carlo vic writes:
i guess 18. coz in that stage, the mind of teens is going to b mature
> 60 days ago

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jessicarogers
jessicarogers writes:
well 13 year olds want to date and things i think they should but not go to there houses i think they should just hang out at school and talk on the phone.
at 15 let them got to a movie and out to eat and stuff.
at 16 let them go to there house but keep an eye on them and make sure they dont do nothing.
at 17 do the same at 16 but give them more privicay just make sure they stay in the living room or outside.
> 60 days ago

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Ankit verma
Ankit verma writes:
20 year.
> 60 days ago

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Boys Town National Hotline
Many parents experience anxiety when it comes to their teenager dating for the first time. The age at which a teen should be "allowed" to date depends on your child's maturity and a bit of your own gut instinct. Although there is no set age at which it is appropriate for a teen to being dating, often many parents start to allow their teen to go on group dates around 13 or 14. Once teens get into high school around 15 it's common for them to begin going on limited one-on-one dates.
 
As the parent, you know your child best, so if you feel that they are not emotionally mature enough to handle a relationship it's ok to wait a year before they are allowed to go on single dates. In the meantime they can talk on the phone and socialize at school. Don't let your teen or pre-teen make you feel guilty because "their friends are all dating." If you feel that they aren't ready............wait a while!
 
Boys Town National Hotline
1-800-448-3000
> 60 days ago

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omg123
omg123 writes:
16 is a good age to start dating, im still in my teen years and talking on the phone is fine at about 13-15 but 16 most kids are able to understand relationships and how to have them. and about sex they will know when they are ready and when there not.you just have to trust them but still keep a firm hand.
> 60 days ago

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Tayamazer
Tayamazer writes:
i would say bout 17-20. thats when i think they are mature enough to handle a true relationship. 15-16 maybe....but usually there just lookin to mess around. and then past 20....they may decide that they dont want to date....and then they never get any where.
> 60 days ago

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