Is teenage dating a good or bad thing? Should we finish school before we start the dating game? This has been a controversial issue for a long time but from my point of view, teenage dating is a perfectly acceptable practice. I am strongly opposed to the idea that people should not be allowed to date before the age of 18. Why not give teenagers the freedom to choose? Love is not a matter of guilt. There is no point in treating youngsters as puppies who are unable to handle love. Is it the case that people cannot truly recognise love until they reach 18? It is not a matter of age. The determinant is whether youngsters are capable of mature thinking. I cannot agree with the perception that dating is a waste of time. It gives teenagers a chance to share interests and experiences and lets them learn how to get along with the opposite sex. It is surely an effective way of sharing their difficulties over their studies and their emotional troubles. They may become more optimistic and learn about their own character. What concerns me most is the standard of behaviour in dating. Seeing teenagers wearing school uniforms kissing in parks or on public transport is embarrassing. It is surely bad manners. There is no denying that studies should be their top priority. If teenagers date but neglect their studies, their academic performance will suffer. They should be mature and responsible in using their time properly. Communication with parents is very important. Parents should listen patiently, instil appropriate notions about dating and help their children overcome difficulties. Proper guidance can avoid the bad consequences of dating and reduce the number of tragedies like teen suicide. If students are sensible, dating is beneficial. They should have the freedom to choose. Venus is a student at Ho Lap College