The Negative Impacts of Teenage Dating

The Negative Impacts of Teenage Dating

By : Anatasya Christianty

Accepted Date : 23 May 2025

    Adolescence is a transitional period between childhood and adulthood, typically occuring between the ages of 10-18. During this time, adolescents experience physical, emotional, and psychological changes. This includes the development of interest in the opposite sex, often manifested as "dating". Dating is defined as the process of knowing and understanding the opposite sex and building closer relationships as preparation for more serious commitment. However, for adolescents, the purpose of dating tends to focus more on status and the pursuit of pleasure. Therefore, I agree that dating during adolescence has negative impacts because adolescents are not emotionally, physique, and socially prepared to face the challenges in a romantic relationship, such as disruption to education, risk of sexual behavior, and loss of adolescent development experiences.

    First, adolescents aged 10-18, who are emotionally immature, are not yet ready for a healthy and responsible romantic relationship.  The emotional development of adolescents is still unstable because the prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain responsible for rational decision-making and emotional control, does not fully develop until around the age of 25.  Consequently, adolescents tend to be impulsive and have difficulty considering the long-term consequences of their relationships, which can disrupt their education.  Research by students at National Taiwan University found that adolescents in romantic relationships have lower academic achievement compared to those who are not, due to excessive preoccupation with their partners, leading to difficulty concentrating and stress from their relationships, which impacts academic performance.

    Secondly, adolescents are not fully physically prepared for romantic relationships involving sexual aspects. Although reproductive organs begin to develop, they have not yet reached optimal physiological maturity. Unstable hormonal changes make it difficult for adolescents to control sexual impulses.  A World Health Organization article on adolescent pregnancy, published April 10, 2024, highlights the high global rate of teenage pregnancies, with many engaging in sexual activity without understanding the consequences for reproductive health and without adequate protection.  This high risk of sexual behavior is due to a lack of education for adolescents, which can disrupt their education and future prospects.

    Finally, adolescents are not socially prepared to balance romantic relationships with other social responsibilities. They tend to neglect broader social development by focusing excessively on their romantic partner. An article from SMK Kosgoro 1 Lawang notes that dating during adolescence can hinder personal development and reduce interaction with friends and family; time that should be used for exploring interests and talents is diverted to dating.  They often neglect schoolwork and reduce participation in extracurricular activities, resulting in a loss of the adolescent experience.

    In conclusion, teenage dating carries significant negative consequences due to adolescents' lack of emotional, physical, and social readiness. Therefore, the roles of parents, schools, and media are crucial in guiding adolescents to prioritize self-development, education, and character building to better prepare them for the future.