Relationships are a delicate topic with any age group, but especially during the teenage years. People’s views differ when it comes to the topic of dating in high school. The question that lingers in mind though is this: Is being in a high school relationship worth it?
“I think [high school relationships] are pointless because they are a huge distraction from what you are really here to do at school, which is learn,” senior Brooke Jackson said. “I turned in 15 late assignments when I had a boyfriend and I had never done that in my life, and I don’t know anyone else that has done that. I find [relationships] really distracting.”
Dating in high school is a well-debated topic because it happens during a point in time where the adolescent brain is still developing. During these important teenage years, people’s opinions differ on if being in a relationship in high school is more of an important experience, or a distraction to more important things like school and grades.
“I do not think teenagers are too immature for relationships,” said guidance counselor Stephanie Blake. “However, I think during the teenage years, your first priority should be getting great grades and focusing on getting into a four-year college.”
People believe that adolescents aren’t capable of forming long-lasting relationships, and that teenage dating is pointless because it isn’t going to last.
Asking parents or teachers, people who have the perspective of age, dating as a teenager seems more of a good experience in their opinion rather than a distraction and something fleeting.
“I can’t necessarily say all relationships worked well for me,” said distance learning facilitator Shannon Wolfgang. “But I think having [relationships] was a worthwhile experience because it helped me to discover who I am, and what I wanted out of future relationships.”
The teenagers who agree that having relationships in high school are worthwhile and good experiences focus on the importance of making memories during a time in your life you’re going to look back on. They also focus on the importance of not taking relationships too seriously, and trying to use them as a good experience for the future in helping them figure out what they would want in future relationships.
“[High school relationships] can be enjoyable and help you make more valuable memories,” junior Hannah Boaz said. “I don’t think it is a matter of whether or not teens are mature enough for a relationship, because not everyone seeks the same things in a relationship. It’s important to figure out what you want, and I believe if it is the right person at the right time, anything is possible with dedication and good intentions.”
— By Meredith Norman