Honestly, there’s no “right” age to start dating – it’s all about when you feel ready. Some people start dating in their early teens, while others wait until much later, and both are totally fine.
What really matters is that you're comfortable, confident, and in a place where you feel ready to navigate the challenges that come with relationships. If you do decide to start dating, remember, that the person you chose should always be someone who respects you and your boundaries! Don’t rush into anything just because everyone else seems to be doing it - just go at your own pace. (Also remember that it is important to be able to talk about the relationship with a trusted adult)
It’s really awesome that you care about your girlfriend’s feelings and want to make sure she's comfortable — that’s a great start! The best way to approach it is by keeping it simple and respectful. You could say something like, "Hey, I’d really like to kiss you, but only if you're okay with it." This gives her the space to say yes or no without feeling pressured. Also remember to be clear when asking for consent, so if she says that she would also like to kiss you – you could then say, “Is it okay if I kiss you now?”
It’s important to pay attention to how she’s feeling in the moment—if she seems relaxed and happy, that’s a good sign. But remember, even if she says no, it doesn’t mean she doesn’t like you; she might just not be ready yet, and that’s totally okay.
What matters most is that you both feel comfortable and respected. Communication is key, and it’s really cool that you’re thinking about how to ask in the right way!
Respecting people’s boundaries is super important because it shows that we care about their feelings, and it’s a big part of understanding consent.
Consent means making sure someone is okay with what we’re doing—whether it’s playing a game, giving a hug, or even just talking about something personal.
When we respect boundaries, we’re checking in to make sure everyone feels comfortable and safe. This helps build strong, trusting friendships where everyone feels valued and respected. Plus, when you respect others’ boundaries, they’re more likely to do the same for you!
Bullying is never okay, even when someone might be a bit (or a lot) different to you.
People might bully others because they’re feeling insecure, unhappy, or trying to fit in – but it’s never the right way to deal with those feelings.
Remember, we’re all different and unique, and that’s what makes the world interesting and beautiful. Everyone has their own strengths, weaknesses, and experiences that shape who they are. It's important to celebrate these differences and treat each other with respect and kindness.
If you ever feel the urge to bully or see it happening, try to talk to a someone you trust to unpack the feels behind it. Everyone deserves to feel safe, respected, and valued just the way they are. You could talk to a trusted adult, or even call Kids Helpline to talk about it 1800 55 1800.
