Teenagers and dating?

United States
June 12, 2008 4:46pm CST
What age do you think teens should be aloud to date? My son is 15 and thinks he is ready to date. How old were your kids when they started dating?
2 people like this
12 responses
@ebsharer (5515)
• United States
12 Jun 08
13 to 15 should be allowed to group date. Meaning more then just the "couple" a few people going to the movies or some thing no big deal. As for one on one dating when both parties can drive and have a valid drivers license. That was the way it worked for me - and the way it will work for my kids.
2 people like this
@TinaCL (429)
• United States
14 Jun 08
Yeah I'm a big fan of the group dating. It gives them a chance to experience the interactions of dating but without the dangers of being in situations that they may not be mature or experienced enough to handle. Otherwise, I don't have a problem with a couple going out in the *daytime*--a Saturday afternoon matinee would be okay, just not Saturday night alone in a dark and cramped car.
1 person likes this
• Canada
12 Jun 08
My mother always siad that at 14 we could go out with groups of boys and girls to places where adults would be present, and at 16 we could date alone (outside of groups) but still going to place where adults wuld be chaperoning. I didn't really catch onto dating till I was TWENTY-FIVE (just wasn't interested) and then I found the man of my dreams, fell in love, and we got married. *grin* Best decision we ever made together.
1 person likes this
@kaleegirl45 (1515)
• United States
16 Jun 08
Teenagers should date at the age of 15. Movies where parents can drops them off and pick them up. School dancing, the mall, things like that. My oldest started having a boyfriend at the age of 13. I took her and her friends to the movies, golf and stuff, mall. My youngest is still not dating. She more into school and hanging around with her friends. and if she wanted to date it be okay with me.
• Romania
17 Jun 08
I'm not a parent, but I can tell you what I have noticed from kids whose parents lay down really strict dating rules - they do it behind their back. The truth is if a girl or a boy is interested in each other (no matter what age) they are going to try to be around each other and hang out. When I was 13, I hadn't had a boyfriend yet, but a lot of my friends had "boyfriends" and their parents had no idea. I just think if I was a parent, I'd want my kid to be able to tell me if they had a crush or wanted a boyfriend, no matter what age. I think if a teenager feels they are ready to take on a relationship, talk to them about it and keep a close eye on them if they are younger. If you tell them no... they will only want to do it more.
• Concord, California
14 Jun 08
My daughter is 14 and my son is 16, my daughter is to immature, so maybe at 16, my son I gave the O.K after he went to the junior ball. But, now he isn't interested yet. he's starting driving school Next week,one thing at a time
@tschu8 (136)
• United States
17 Jun 08
I think that maturity has alot to do with when they are ready. So I do not see a set age being the issue. I have 3 boys, 7, 9 and 17. My seventeen year old has not yet had a real relationship but I have never tryed to dissuade or persuade this. From my own experience, I think that if you tell them no then in alot of cases they will do it behind the parents back. My father did not want me dating my sons father when I was 16. I ended up pregnant and had my first son at 17. Not my fathers fault but I also feel that you can not help if you have feelings for someone and if my father would have been more open to my dating him we would have spent more time together at home and with my family and such and not so much time hiding and trying not to be out where my dad would find me with him. I think that you should give the trust and your son will know and respect that by trusting him it will help him to make the right decisions. I trust my son and he knows it and he is very open and honest with me. And one reason that he doesn't do some of the things that other kids are out there doing is because I have given him this trust and he does not want to disappoint me and do anything to hurt our close relationship that we have. Give your kids respect and listen to them and in return they will do the same.
@Likespie (79)
• United States
14 Jun 08
My parents let me start dating when I was 13 so I am going to treat my kids the same. I think your son is of age and you should give him a little freedom. Let your boy become a man. O.O
• United States
13 Jun 08
I myself do not have any kids because I am only 18 but I started dating at about 15 or 16. I feel that that was a good age to ba allowed to date like that. But all parents are diffrent on what they believe is a good age.
@magrylouyu (1627)
• United States
13 Jun 08
Well, my children are quite a bit young to even think about dating. They are only 3, 4 and 5! I think over 13 is a perfect age. I started dating my husband when I was 14 and here we are 8 years later. As long as you teach you son what he should and shouldnt do, it should be fine. I dont see why 15 isn't a good enough age to start dating. Personally in my opinion parents who do "dont" allow their children to date will do it anyways as time goes on.
@ashnigam (96)
• India
13 Jun 08
You are the best judge to decide because you know your son better than anybody else. Generally and ideally at this age he should be allowed to move in some group with some adult(s) to have a check on them
• Australia
12 Jun 08
In groups then i think around 14 15 and if going out on a date just a girl and a guy then i think it should be around 16..
@eloouuu (176)
13 Jun 08
It had not occurred to me prior to this that in America, a 14 or 15 year old would be seen as a lot younger than they are in England. After all, a 15 year old American would only be one or two years into high school - correct? I left high school when I was 15, about a month or two before I turned 16 and so if you weigh it up, that is almost equivalent to an 18 or 19 year old there. If that is the case, then I do understand how he could be seen as unready to begin dating. I am not sure how much he would have developed or how mature his opinions on relationships would be but it certainly makes a lot more sense than having concerns about a 15 year old English child.