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LoginAs online dating has become the new normal for adults, we ask our experts to shed a light on how this phenomenon is affecting teens and what parents can do to keep them safe. This will probably start with messaging people they already know, to social media and dating apps where they could come into contact with anyone. Relationships come with the whole packet — from joy, excitement and pleasure to heartbreak, embarrassment, inadequacy, and despair so as a parent you need to be ready. Show an interest in all of their relationships. Talk to them about what it means to be loved and respected — whether face to face or online. Talk about their right to privacy and the importance of protecting their bodies and their hearts. Be curious, but not obstructive, watchful but not domineering. The ultimate goal is for your relationship to be strong enough that your teen lets you in, knowing you are there, that you love them and that you care.
Whilst you may have some worries about your child dating online, there are lots of things you can do to support them to be safer. The qualities of healthy relationships should be the same online as they are in-person. Help your child to think about what qualities are important to them in a relationship and how they can spot them online. Some healthy qualities to share are:. It can be difficult to spot when people are lying or have bad intentions online, especially if attraction or emotions are involved. If your child has built a relationship with someone online, it is natural that they may want to arrange to meet them in person. This will help you make an informed decision on whether they are ready to meet.
Dating apps for teenagers have been gaining popularity among adolescents as these apps make it easier for them to interact with those they like by texting them and making a good first impression. However, prioritizing your safety and being cautious while dating online is important as there might be higher risks of fraud and phishing. Remember not to give your personal information to strangers, and ensure you report and block users that make you uncomfortable.
Online data sites first surfaced in the early s and have since exploded in popularity. In fact, a recent study conducted by the Pew Research Center found that more than ten percent of all respondents have been in a relationship that started through an online dating site. And, while the majority of online dating sites are strictly intended for adults, in recent years, there have been a handful of sites marketed towards a younger audience. Parents of tweens and teens have good reason to be concerned about online dating sites, as they provide a number of risks.
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6/27/2024
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6/28/2024
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