And what age is appropriate? The American Academy of Pediatrics notes that on average, girls begin dating as early as 12 and a half years old, and boys a year older.
Is it okay to date at 11?
An 11-year-old should not have a boyfriend or girlfriend. Though some may look physically adult at such a young age, tweens do not have the ability to handle the emotional decisions that accompany romantic relationships.
What is a bad age to start dating?
As a general guideline, Dr. Eagar advises not allowing single dating before age sixteen. “Theres an enormous difference between a fourteen- or fifteen-year- old and a sixteen- or seventeen-year-old in terms of life experience,” he says.