Most online dating apps have a minimum age requirement of 18 years, but a new study shows that a small number of 11 to dating year-olds are using them. US and Canadian researchers have been studying the use of dating sites by minors, and have observed that some preteens, particularly those aged 11 and 12, are already using these platforms or applications to find love.
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Their findings raise questions about the risks associated with such use. While most dating applications require users to be over 18 to register, a new study by researchers at the University of California, San Francisco and the University of Toronto — among others — reveals that children and preteens aged 11 and 12 are already surfing these sites to find love.
This research raises questions not only about the motivations of these young users, but also about the need to make them aware of the risks associated with the omnipresence of adults on these platforms. To reach these conclusions, the authors analysed cross-sectional data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study, the largest study of children's brain development and "old" in the US. The researchers analysed data from 10, click here, mostly aged 11 to 12, whose data were collected between and Among the questions asked, some concerned their use of online dating apps and their sexual orientation.
Published in the journal BMC Research Notesthis research reveals that dating sites are indeed used by pre-adolescents aged 11 and Note, however, that they are a tiny minority — 0. The researchers point out that lesbian, gay and bisexual LGB preteens are 13 times more likely to turn to this type of platform to find love than heterosexual preteens.
According to the authors of the study, this may be due to their difficulty in talking openly about their sexual orientation, and their fear of being harassed or stigmatised as a result. The study also reports that boys are three times more likely to report online dating than girls. Ganson, PhD, of the University of Toronto.
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While it's clear that dating sites can be advantageous for pre-adolescent boys and girls who find it more difficult to meet a partner, or at least a crush, in real life, they are not without danger for these young users. These site consequences mean that parents need to talk to their children about these sites and their use of them, and make them aware of all the risks involved.
Parents should consider establishing rules of use or monitoring this type of practice. Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates! Study: Some kids are already using online dating apps at age Mobile Apps 21 Oct 'Love match' apps rival traditional matchmaking in Pakistan. Finding love without being judged Published in the journal BMC Research Notesthis research reveals that dating sites are indeed used by pre-adolescents aged 11 and From cyberbullying year grooming and exploitation The study also reports that boys are three times more likely to report online dating than girls.
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Preteens use dating apps, and 1 in 4 are sexual minorities: Study
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