Should students be allowed to go out on dates?

Topic: Should students be allowed to go out on dates?

Outline:
1. Briefly describe the attitude of Asian parents about their schoolgoing children’s dating.
2. Describe the advantages of dating while still in school.
- It helps in the maturing process of youngsters.
- It contributes to one’s self-esteem.
3. Describe the disadvantages of dating while schooling.
- It may affect one’s studies if one does not manage his or her time properly.
- It may cultivate false and superficial values in the youngsters.
- Some who are emotionally unstable may experiment with sex.
4. Briefly conclude that the guidance of parents and teachers is needed and that group dating is preferable to single dating.

Asian parents tend to be conservative about allowing their children to date while they are still schooling.

In my view, dating contributes to the maturing process of youngsters. It educates them about human relationships. They lean that the male and female species can be different in the way they think, feel and behave.

Dating also gives one a head start in discovering what one is looking for in one’s future life partner. Waiting till one finishes one’s schooling may not be such a good idea. This is because when one starts working, one seldom finds time to socialize.

Moreover, healthy dating practices can also contribute to one’s self-esteem. Feeling good about oneself and one’s life can motivate one to do better in his or her studies.

The above considerations are valid only if one has the right attitude about dating. If a student becomes too interested in dating, his studies can be affected. He should ensure that ample time is aside for studies and other activities.

Dating at a young age may also breed superficial values in the young. The more immature ones may be interested only in the looks or the status of their partner. This may nurture false values in them at a tender age. Furthermore, many are not emotionally prepared to handle a relationship with the opposite sex. In fact, the more curious ones may indulge in pre-marital sex. The consequences could then be disastrous.

Therefore, although dating while youngsters are still at school is desirable, it requires both parents’ and teachers’ guidance. In my view, group dating before single dating should be encouraged first.