Soulmate Gem
Photo by Dave Thomas Pexels Logo Photo: Dave Thomas

What age is a first kiss usually at?

age 15 Interestingly, this is largely agreed upon across generations. No need to wait for the official first date to get a little face time, however. Americans agree kids are ready for their first kiss at age 15 (15.1 on average), while on average, they had theirs at age 14.5.

prnewswire.com - First Time for Everything: When Should Kids Get a Job, a Phone, a ...
Is it a red flag if he says I love you fast?
Is it a red flag if he says I love you fast?

1. They rush a new relationship forward too quickly. Popularly referred to as “love bombing,” this red flag isn't necessarily about the new partner...

Read More »
Last updated Nov 21, 2018
What happens after a soul tie?
What happens after a soul tie?

A soul tie relationship can be a very positive connection, but it can also become toxic if the person you're connected to isn't a positive...

Read More »
Last updated Aug 11, 2022

When it comes to wearing makeup, Americans – on average – say a kid should be nearly 15 years old (14.8). Similarly, Americans were 14.7, on average, when they began wearing makeup for the first time. Teens, however, have a different perspective and say they started at 13 – a significantly lower age than their adult counterparts. This could explain why 8 in 10 Americans (81%) say parents today let their kids wear makeup way too young. Americans may be wary of other activities happening too soon as well. In fact, overall, 92% of adults say kids today are growing up too quickly. But when should a kid not have to turn to their parents for permission and be considered an adult on their own? On average, the magic age is 18.8 years old. However, older adults – specifically those 65 years and older – say this should actually be 19.5, significantly higher than their younger counterparts. These are some of the results of The Harris Poll® of 2,463 U.S. adults aged 18+ and 510 teens age 13-17 surveyed online between July 14 and 27, 2016. Complete results of this study can be found here.

Flying solo

Americans say kids are ready at age 11 (10.7 on average) to venture out to a sleepover. When it comes to staying home alone, however, 13.5 is the magic age. Older Americans – those 45 and over – are more likely than teenagers to state a significantly higher age, on average. This is despite the fact that Americans say they were allowed to stay home alone a whole year earlier than this, at 12.5 years old. Staying in the comforts of home is one thing, but if a child is looking to attend their first concert without a parent, they may be waiting a bit longer. While Americans went to their first concert at 18 (17.7 on average), they say kids are actually ready a bit younger – at 16.5 years of age.

Love is in the air

Sixteen years old is when Americans feel kids are ready for their first one-on-one date. Interestingly, this is largely agreed upon across generations. No need to wait for the official first date to get a little face time, however. Americans agree kids are ready for their first kiss at age 15 (15.1 on average), while on average, they had theirs at age 14.5. But first, let's talk about sex. Americans feel kids need the "sex talk" at age 12 (12.3 on average), a year earlier than they were given the chat (13.2 on average).

Is your soulmate someone you've already met?
Is your soulmate someone you've already met?

A soulmate doesn't even have to be a romantic connection, necessarily ― it could be a friend or work colleague. Nor does the relationship need to...

Read More »
Last updated Feb 1, 2021
Which country kisses both cheeks?
Which country kisses both cheeks?

Southeastern Europe Typically, Croats and Bosniaks will kiss once on each cheek, for two total kisses, whereas Serbs will kiss once, but three...

Read More »
Last updated Jun 18, 2020

Screen time

A hotly debated issue among parents today surrounds screen time and when kids should get access to certain electronics. On average, Americans say 14 is when kids should get a cell phone. While parents with adult-aged children say they should wait until 15 (14.8 on average), those with younger kids say they need them at age 13 (13.3 on average). Moving onto the big screen, kids are ready to see an R rated movie at 16.5. Older Americans, however, think this age should be higher. Those over 45 say kids should be 17 (45-54: 16.8; 55-64: 17.0), with those 65 and older saying 18 (17.9 on average) is more appropriate.

Behind the wheel

While Americans may say kids are ready to get behind the wheel at age 16 (15.9 on average), they're not ready for the responsibility of their own wheels until nearly age 18 (17.6 on average). Those 65 and older state an age significantly higher than their younger counterparts.

It's all about the Benjamins

And just who is paying for all of these first time activities? Parents are likely footing the bill until at least age 15, when Americans agree a child is ready for their first job (15.5 on average). Until then, many kids may be able to rake in the dough from their weekly allowance, which Americans say should start at age 10 (9.8 on average).

To see other recent Harris Polls, please visit our website, TheHarrisPoll.com.

Methodology

This Harris Poll was conducted online, in English, within the United States between July 14 and 27, 2016 among 2,463 adults aged 18+ and 510 teens aged 13-17. Figures for age, sex, race/ethnicity, education, region and household income were weighted where necessary to bring them into line with their actual proportions in the population. Propensity score weighting was also used to adjust for respondents' propensity to be online. All sample surveys and polls, whether or not they use probability sampling, are subject to multiple sources of error which are most often not possible to quantify or estimate, including sampling error, coverage error, error associated with nonresponse, error associated with question wording and response options, and post-survey weighting and adjustments. Therefore, The Harris Poll avoids the words "margin of error" as they are misleading. All that can be calculated are different possible sampling errors with different probabilities for pure, unweighted, random samples with 100% response rates. These are only theoretical because no published polls come close to this ideal. Respondents for this survey were selected from among those who have agreed to participate in Harris Poll surveys. The data have been weighted to reflect the composition of the adult population. Because the sample is based on those who agreed to participate in our panel, no estimates of theoretical sampling error can be calculated.

In which country lip kiss is normal?
In which country lip kiss is normal?

In South Africa and Australia, for instance, kissing quickly on the lips with a closed mouth is a common greeting custom among friends, especially...

Read More »
Last updated Nov 2, 2022
Why do groomers bathe or cut first?
Why do groomers bathe or cut first?

Some groomers will clip and thoroughly brush out a dog before giving a bath and washing them. The dog groomers use this approach as it will prevent...

Read More »
Last updated Apr 15, 2022

These statements conform to the principles of disclosure of the National Council on Public Polls. The results of this Harris Poll may not be used in advertising, marketing or promotion without the prior written permission of The Harris Poll. Product and brand names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

The Harris Poll® #57, September 1, 2016

By Allyssa Birth, Senior Research Analyst, The Harris Poll

About The Harris Poll®

Begun in 1963, The Harris Poll is one of the longest running surveys measuring public opinion in the U.S. and is highly regarded throughout the world. The nationally representative polls, conducted primarily online, measure the knowledge, opinions, behaviors and motivations of the general public. New and trended polls on a wide variety of subjects including politics, the economy, healthcare, foreign affairs, science and technology, sports and entertainment, and lifestyles are published weekly. For more information, or to see other recent polls, please visit our new website, TheHarrisPoll.com.

Corporate Communications

The Harris Poll

585-272-8400

[email protected]

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160901/403602-INFO

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140718/128665

Related Links

http://www.theharrispoll.com

prnewswire.com - First Time for Everything: When Should Kids Get a Job, a Phone, a ...
What are the six types of marriage?
What are the six types of marriage?

Six types of marriage relationships Flatmates. Money mates. Sex mates. Social mates. Bickering mates. Soul mates. Apr 13, 2021

Read More »
Last updated Aug 22, 2021
What do men love most in a woman?
What do men love most in a woman?

Men love women who are thoughtful, caring, loving and kind. A woman who does little things for her man for no other reason other than that she...

Read More »
Last updated Mar 30, 2020
How much God loves us?
How much God loves us?

God's love is unconditional and infinite — far, far beyond what even the best of people are capable of. God commands those who follow Him to love...

Read More »
Last updated Sep 21, 2019
How close is God to us?
How close is God to us?

He is not far away at any given moment. His spirit dwells within a child of God. God says he will dwell in us and walk among us; and he will be our...

Read More »
Last updated Mar 31, 2021