Children who date are more likely to make poor choices
Copyright Melissa Witcher
www.melissawitcher.com
According to a study conducted by the University of Georgia, middle school students who date “have significantly worse study skills, are four times more likely to drop out of school and report twice as much alcohol, tobacco and marijuana use than their single classmates.” Link to UGA study.
Wow.
Huge repercussions simply to date someone you like. The study shows that children who date are more likely to make poor choices.
This study followed 624 students over a seven-year length of time. So the statistics make a pretty bold statement. But through media, our culture pushes relationships heavily to our children and youth. Relationships are prevalent in kid’s TV shows. Most songs are based around relationships.
I have even had people tell my five year old that he is the boyfriend of different little girls, or that they are going to get married. I always gently assure him they are just best friends. He prefers that anyway. I know people think it is cute. But why start so early??
We can’t get past relationships being pushed on them. So how do you address children in dating relationships with your students and their parents?
Share in the comments below ways you have spoken regarding relationships.