According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, kids start dating at an average age of 12 and a half for girls and 13 and a half for boys. Every teen — or preteen — is different, though, and your child might be ready sooner or later than their peers.

Should I let my 8 year old date?

There is no magic age a child should be allowed to date. But one thing is for certain: parents need to become a student of their kids, continually learning more and more about how theyre thinking, what theyre feeling, and getting a sense of the direction of their development.