Boys and girls nowadays begin to date at a young age, whether their parents allow them to or not. But with the prevalence of teen dating violence and teen pregnancy, some parents have began to set a dating age for their sons and daughters.

The term dating age refers to the age where the teens are allowed to date. This consent is given by their parents when they are convinced that their teens are already mature and responsible enough to go on exclusive dates with the opposite sex. Once parents have given their go-signal, teens can already start dating, provided that they abide by the rules set for them by their parents.

When should parents allow their teens to date? Here are a few things that a parent should keep in mind before saying yes to their teens:

Check your child's maturity level.

Allow your teens' date to join family activities prior to letting them go out on their own so that you more or less know the person your teen is going out with.

Make sure that your teen is emotionally stable before allowing him or her to date. Neediness, isolation and verbal disrespect are not good signs.

If you do not approve with your teen's date, say so in a nice way, but do not forbid him or her to go out with this person unless you have valid reasons to do so.

Talk to teens about teen dating violence and premarital sex and influence them to act responsibly.

The decision to allow teens to date should be made by the parents as they assess their teens actions, behavior, mindset and ability to act responsibly. But even so, parents should not be too loose on the reins because teens still need their assistance and guidance when it comes to dating.