Your Teens’ Experience

Communication

Having unlimited access online to whomever they are dating, allows them to keep an open line of communication at any time, especially if someone lives far away.

With social media adding another layer of communication, rather than being verbal, they can send endless amounts of emojis, GIPHs, images and videos.

Accessibility

As a number of teens have smartphones and are active on social media, they are able to talk with their potential boyfriend/girlfriend at any point. They are not restricted to talking to them during school or college hours, instead, they can just send a message through popular social networks or private messaging platforms.

It also means that they can ‘talk to’  and interact with other teens who may not be in the same school/college or social circle as them.

Confidence building

Online relationships can help teens get beyond the shyness or uncomfortable feeling that can occur when they first meet a love interest, by allowing them to get to know one another before they meet in person (if they do).

Teens may be labelled ‘different’ by their peers such as being gay, lesbian or having a disability; and so having online relationships with other like-minded people such as themselves, can help them feel they’re not alone in the world.

Research has also shown teens are less likely to feel isolated when interacting with their peers online, and this can in fact, extend to those who have been overlooked by their peers. They develop a higher self-esteem when approaching adolescence.

Development of key skills

Certain apps that require teens to create content can help them build certain interpersonal and social skills. These relationships can also play a role in supporting their development of positive relationships in other areas such as school or work and can continue way into their adulthood.

Forming strong social bonds

Teens can form social bonds and learn the responsibility that they have when it comes to dating in adulthood.

As mentioned above, teens who face judgement at school based on their sexual preference, race, and personality, for example, are more likely to feel isolated. So, when it comes to traditional face-to-face dating, this may be harder for them to meet someone who understands them. This may make them more likely to look for not only romantic bonds online but friendships too.

Parental involvement

Teens whose parents talk to them are better prepared. Just like traditional dating, it’s important to manage your child’s expectations when it comes to online dating. They may already be active on social media and ‘talking to’ a number of people they like but it’s never to late to have conversations about how to do this safely.

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Online dating expert advice from Dr Linda

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Being aware of who they are talking to and what apps they are using can help you encourage them to think about the types of privacy settings they can set and give you insight into potential issues they may be exposed to. Agreeing safe boundaries around who and what they share and putting in place simple safety rules around how they should and shouldn’t approach or talk to others online is key.

Staying open with your teen about a variety of topics that they may face online (no matter how awkward) and making sure to talk about what a healthy and unhealthy relationship looks like can equip them with the necessary coping strategies to protect them from online risks.