adminHello cool teens I hope I find you well. So today we are going to talk about the most avoided or must I say the most feared topic by parents; that is about teen dating. Yes it’s a fact, most parents do not feel comfortable talking about teen dating for whatever reasons. Little do they know that knowledge is power when it comes to such an issue .Anyway, if the parents do not feel like discussing that issue its better we as teens share some advice on it. After all prevention is better than cure.
So I believe everyone is aware of teen dating, right? Then one might ask what is the right age for dating? Let me say it just depends on your level of maturity. Hormones also play a significant role in determining the correct age for dating.
Peer pressure is also another major contributing factor. To avoid peer pressure on dating, its best to stay away from friends who are already dating if you are not yet ready for dating.
Dating as a result of peer pressure is contributing much to teen pregnancy. If teenage pregnancy is a possible negative outcome, then comes the question, why dating during teenage after all?
Teenage dating is like a practice session preparing for a big task to find a lifetime partner in the future. Self confidence is built up during teen dating, a vital aspect in one’s life. Respecting one’s boundary is another important lesson gained from teen dating.
Teens will know how to maintain appropriate physical contact with someone of the opposite sex. It’s very important for teens to be able to set their own boundaries so to avoid any form of abuse in a relationship.
Communication skills are also acquired during teen dating.
The art of listening to one’s point of opinion is enhanced. With that experience in communicating you are capable of resolving relationship conflicts in a civilised manner.
After all experience is the best teacher, you just need to play it safe. Then one wonders, what are the safety measures? It’s quite obvious that the major problem when it comes to teen dating is abuse, be it physical or sexual.
To avoid any form of abuse during teen dating, one must be capable or have the guts to stand her/his ground. If it is a no ,then make it a no. Do not let your partner take advantage of you in any way. If you are not yet bold enough, then it’s wiser to stay away from dating to avoid future complications. On the other hand, teens must visit a nearby doctor so that they can be enlightened on issues regarding sexual activities. This exercise will help them in avoiding unplanned teenage pregnancy and the transmission of STIs.
In my own point of view I believe abstinence is the best solution.
One might ask, what about my school work? Many teens cannot handle heart breaks and as a result they end up letting those emotions
take over their lives thus affecting their school work.
On the other hand many say dating during teenage will affect your school work, but in my own point of view I disagree with that ideology .In fact, that old belief is still tarnishing the face of teen dating to a larger extent. I believe balancing the two is the ultimate solution.
When it’s time for school work do the school work whole heartedly, and when it’s time for your social life just enjoy to the fullest. You can even help your partner with school work, a good way to excel in school.
So basically I do not see anything wrong with teen dating, it’s how people do it that matters the most.
Anyway, the ball is in your court. So teens until we meet again, stay cool be cool forever cool.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter