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 a 12 year old be able to date?

Theres no one age when people “should” start dating — plenty of people dont start until their late teens or after, and some people start earlier. At 12, going out in groups is a lot more common — and can probably be a lot easier and more fun, too — than going out with just one other person on a DATE-date.