to be concerned about dd online dating choices

[NaiceFinch]

AIBU to be concerned about my dd online dating choices?

My daughter is in her late teens and has recently started exploring online dating. While I want her to have the freedom to make her own choices, I’m worried about her safety and the types of people she might be meeting. I’ve tried having open conversations with her about healthy relationships and the importance of safety, but she seems dismissive and thinks I’m overreacting.

AIBU to feel concerned and want to set boundaries, or should I trust her judgment and let her navigate this on her own?

AIBU to feel concerned and want to set boundaries

You’re NBU to be concerned but if she’s legally an adult there’s not anything you can really do, other than ask her to let you - or someone else - know when and where she’s meeting someone off the app. Which is a sensible precaution for someone at any age tbh.

She's old enough to do as she pleases if she's old enough to be on dating apps.

Do encourage good personal safety though. Set up an emergency WhatsApp group between the two of you where she can just send the details of who she's going to meet, when and where, car licence plate etc so should anything happen you have some details. But don't use the group to comment.

If you happen to go out and getting a taxi it's good to do the same then it feels more adult:adult than adult:child

Your DD can meet plenty of bad actors and weirdos in the offline world too I'm sorry to say. All you can do is help her to stay safe, for example someone always knowing where she is expected to be and who with and for her to know you will support her if she gets into trouble with someone.

Also might be worth making sure she knows how to spot red flags, know she can walk away when her instincts tell her something is wrong, stay in a public place until she gets to know them and make sure she has at least 3 options on getting home safely if one doesn't work out.

It’s understandable that you are concerned and want her to be informed but, assuming she is an adult, you can’t set boundaries.

I never thought of teens doing online dating. Feel a bit foolish but I'm imagining it must be a whole world of next, next, next. Great for some but possibly seriously soul crushing for others?