Hi, my name is Rose, I'm 19 and I just wanted to say in some teen girls it is true. I was one of the ones who fell for the losers and the trouble makers... however all a parent can do, is guide their kids into knowing what is right and wrong. It's not the end of the world if one of your kids get into a bad relationship, heartbreak is a part of life. It's a learning experience. (However if he does abuse her than serious legal action and charges must be made immediately!) Who your child chooses to date in the end is their own decision... I myself had a very unhealthy relationship with a man only 2 years older than I. Even when my parents wanted to protect me from getting hurt, (not physically) I would not listen because I myself am my own individual and I am in control of my own life. Whether that control is lost or not, my parents are not steering. They could only guide and they understood I had to see for myself what I was headed for if I stayed with him. I learned rather quickly without my parents involvement that I was indeed dating a loser. Now, holding off on allowing your teens to date, they won't have those learning experiences so they will have the risk of learning too late when men are looking for more serious relationships... would you rather have a teen that dates 6 weeks with a complete moron or a child that marries one? Not to sound rude in any way but 18 is on the verge of adulthood. Granted there are lots of nice older gentlemen out there, however the older losers are the ones that want to hurry a ring and tie you down to marriage.