Age-Gap Relationships: Why Pre-Puberty Girls and Pubertal Boys Should Not Date

There is a significant difference in physical and emotional maturity between pre‑puberty girls and pubertal boys, making dating inappropriate and potentially abusive.

• Pre‑puberty girls are not emotionally or physically ready for romantic relationships.
• Pubertal boys may not fully understand or respect those boundaries.

Supervised friendships can be beneficial, provided adults are aware of the risks and maintain appropriate boundaries.