@K.C. FahelDating too early doubles the chance of drug use. Quadruples the chance of dropping out of school (and even if students don’t drop out they do poorer). There is a 1 in 4 chance of them becoming sexually active. A 50% chance of dating abuse. And often takes a significant toll on Emotional health. Things like depression our much more common in teen daters. The most recent studies are comparing 11 years to 14 years because 14 is now a common age to start dating, but if you dig back through the literature you can find the same increases in risk comparing 14 years to 16 years olds. People have also made very strong arguments for early dating (and the quick turnover of those relationships) contributing to the high divorce rate. Group dating decreasing these risks, but they still there especially when children are still in puberty and adjusting to themselves as well as others.
The bottom line is that dating (or more properly courting) is to prepare one to marry. If you are looking for a spouse you shouldn’t be dating. That is not to say you should have co-ed activities to learn about healthy interactions and relationships in your teenage years.
Seriously! I had crushes on guys when I was 11 or 12. Never got pregnant, or into drugs, and I have a graduate degree, a husband, and my own business. Little kids have crushes (though I’m sure Paige would object to my calling her a little kid). There’s a big difference between crushes and sleeping together. You can’t stop a crush—girls just start noticing guys. Hormones are potent things. It’s just how you deal with them. And a crush doesn’t necessarily equate with dating—I didn’t date until I was 16 but I had crushes much earlier and—gasp—actually kissed a boy when I was 12!
KZ71 over 7 years ago
The age-old question.
Templo S.U.D. over 7 years ago
Paige, you’re too young to be thinking of guys! Why not wait two more years?
Keep on keepin' on over 7 years ago
Peter, where would the fun be in that?!
BiggerNate91 over 7 years ago
“why can’t girls act like guys?” Maybe you should wonder why guys don’t act like girls! Ever think of it THAT way?!
Gregory.r.hart over 7 years ago
@K.C. FahelDating too early doubles the chance of drug use. Quadruples the chance of dropping out of school (and even if students don’t drop out they do poorer). There is a 1 in 4 chance of them becoming sexually active. A 50% chance of dating abuse. And often takes a significant toll on Emotional health. Things like depression our much more common in teen daters. The most recent studies are comparing 11 years to 14 years because 14 is now a common age to start dating, but if you dig back through the literature you can find the same increases in risk comparing 14 years to 16 years olds. People have also made very strong arguments for early dating (and the quick turnover of those relationships) contributing to the high divorce rate. Group dating decreasing these risks, but they still there especially when children are still in puberty and adjusting to themselves as well as others.
The bottom line is that dating (or more properly courting) is to prepare one to marry. If you are looking for a spouse you shouldn’t be dating. That is not to say you should have co-ed activities to learn about healthy interactions and relationships in your teenage years.
Tym Macaleer Premium Member over 7 years ago
I know a guy named Steve Riley!
Michael Matchinsky over 7 years ago
Do you really want them to?!?!?
Night-Gaunt49[Bozo is Boffo] over 7 years ago
I’d think by now he’d be more interested in girls.
Deezlebird over 7 years ago
Seriously! I had crushes on guys when I was 11 or 12. Never got pregnant, or into drugs, and I have a graduate degree, a husband, and my own business. Little kids have crushes (though I’m sure Paige would object to my calling her a little kid). There’s a big difference between crushes and sleeping together. You can’t stop a crush—girls just start noticing guys. Hormones are potent things. It’s just how you deal with them. And a crush doesn’t necessarily equate with dating—I didn’t date until I was 16 but I had crushes much earlier and—gasp—actually kissed a boy when I was 12!