Anna Soloniuk, reporter

“I just want a girlfriend, don’t know why just do.” Kyle Chase (7). Is it infatuation, love, lust, or just social pressure? Whatever you choose to call it, it is happening in middle school.

Although many would say that this is beyond their maturity level, especially with no driver’s license. Middle school courtship seems to have more to do with social standing and going through the motions of maturity, rather than experiencing genuine feelings of love. “Dating is silly at my age, it’s just all lust made up in our heads,” Maren Stratte (7). One of Maren’s peers Mackenzie Bernidino (8) adds, “I don’t even want a boyfriend right now! It’s not love, so whatever.” True, considering their age group, it is ridiculous to assume that they could fall in love dating at their age. Many do claim to have found love in junior high despite the fact that many 25 year olds feel that falling in love is yet to happen.

We can blame TV shows, magazines, book or even older siblings, for this up rise in young interest in adoration. Regardless of whose fault some parents allow their children to frolic around in 7th grade love-la-la land, but there are statistics that say that most parents won’t allow their middle school child to date. Only 55 percent of parents who took the poll on FamilyEducation.com said they would not allow their middle schooler to date. “I would like to, but my mom would not let me date.” Zach Neimier (7).

Although contrary to some middle schoolers‘s opinions, a preponderance of students do date or have dating on their minds. “I have a crush on someone, so I’d like to make her my girlfriend and I had my first kiss in third grade.” Kyle Chase (7) proudly annoced. Many would say that it is fun to just hold hands and go to the movies at this age. The limited interaction makes middle school dating like a training bra for relationships. Some would even argue that it is better to date in middle school than high school because the schoolwork is not as hard as at the high school level, and peer pressure is more juvenile.

No matter what the student’s opinion regarding dating in middle school, in the end it is the parent’s decision that matters. “Is she is going on a ice cream date with her dad? Because as far as I am concerned, that is the only dating she will be doing for a while. Well, at least until high school.” Janet Strain (Concerned Parent).