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Dating
Dating relationships can be a fun and exciting part of your life. They can also be confusing, especially if dating is new to you. Take time to develop friendships before you start dating. It is best to wait until you are at least 16 before you start going out on dates alone. Try going out with groups of friends or double dating. Always go to public places like the mall, movies, or bowling alley.
Once you know that the guy you like also likes you, you may be unsure of what to do next—continue going out and having fun! Build a good friendship based on shared values and activities. Learn what makes a dating relationship healthy and safe. Serious relationships at a young age are not good. Crushes are normal.
Dating a guy two to six years older than you is not a good idea! Studies show, these guys are more likely to pressure you for sex! Girls who date older guys are much more likely—nearly four times more likely—to wind up pregnant. Other studies show that about two-thirds of babies born to teenage girls nationwide are fathered by adult men ages 20 or older.
These are the Sexual Attitudes of Teens
- Most boys ages 12-19 believe it is important for teens to be given a strong message from society that they should not have sex until they are at least out of high school.
- Among sexually experienced youth aged 12-19, boys are less likely than girls to wish they had waited longer before having sex for the first time.
- Boys aged 12-19 are slightly more likely than girls the same age to report feeling pressured to have sex. Girls say romantic partners exert the most pressure while boys say pressure is most likely to come from other boy friends.
- Among youth aged 12-17, boys are less likely than girls to say their decisions about sex are influenced by what their parents might think and what their parents have said to them about sex.
- Most boys aged 15-19 agree, “getting a girl pregnant will not make you feel like a real man."
SOURCE: The National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy
If you have sex with an older guy, he may end up going to jail! Each state has its own laws governing the age of consent. Bottom-line: enjoy your junior and senior high school years! You don’t want this type of drama!
Content last updated June 18, 2008
