Are Vibrators For Teens? YES — And Here’s Why

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Contrary to what many adults may believe, vibrators can be an excellent tool for teenagers, helping them to discover what their body is capable of sexually — and what feels good to them.

Here’s why:

Vibrators are a healthy part of sexual self-discovery at any age, particularly during the teenage years.
Educating teens about sex and allowing them to learn about pleasure — safely — may even cause them to engage in partnered sex at a later age than they would have otherwise.
Teenagers who have a quality, body-safe vibrator in hand will be far less likely to turn to potentially unsafe DIY vibrators that could put their health and wellness at risk.
Teens may need help purchasing a vibrator but there are tons of beginner-friendly options that are easily accessible and affordable.

Even though they are labeled as “adult” products or novelties, vibrators are perfectly safe for teens to use — as long as they are comfortable with and excited about the idea.

Things To Know

In this article, we’ll talk about:

Should Teens Use Vibrators
- Choosing A Teen's First Vibrator
- How To Get A Vibrator As A Teen
Conclusion

Should Teens Use Vibrators?

“There is no should when it comes to sex play,” Dr. Susan Milstein, a human sexuality health educator on our medical review board, explained, adding:

“Would it help teens if they had the opportunity to discover what they like sexually for themselves, without a partner? Absolutely! But if they’re not comfortable with using a vibrator then they shouldn’t be pressured into it.

What’s important when it comes to teens and vibrators is that the teen is educated on vibrators, that they know it’s an option, and that they’re free to make their own choices.”

Some adults worry that vibrator use is a sin, it’ll cause desensitization or nerve damage, it’ll take their virginity away, or that it’s similar to a gateway drug — leading to the development of an insatiable appetite for sex and eventual promiscuity.

Those worries often come from our own internalized shame, the way sex was handled (or not) when we were young, and the false belief that if we never talk to kids about sex, they’ll magically wait until adulthood to get laid.

It doesn’t work that way.

As parents and guardians, it’s our job to ensure we’re doing our best to keep our teenagers safe — and that includes guiding them through their sexual self-exploration once they become ready to enter that chapter of their lives.

Why should teens be educated about vibrators? Let us count the ways:

Self-pleasure — with or without battery-operated help — reduces sexual shame and stigma surrounding masturbation.
It also helps ensure the next generation knows how their body works and what they enjoy sexually. If you know what feels good, it’s much easier to figure out what feels bad — and that’s important when it comes to consent and sexual satisfaction with partners later on.
Encouraging masturbation while talking to teenagers about sex doesn’t encourage them to have sex. In fact, one study found that sex education is associated with delayed engagement in partnered sex.
Vibrator use may help teenage girls to close the orgasm gap over the long term.

As parents and guardians, we might not want to think about our child’s sexual pleasure too closely, but we also don’t want their sex lives as adults to be miserable.

Right?

The idea of talking about this with your teenager can feel overwhelming, especially if sexual discussions have rarely (or never) taken place, but that doesn’t make these discussions any less important.

While you shouldn’t force a vibrator on your teen if that isn’t something they’re interested in, providing them with one if they are open to it is a way to ensure their safety and sexual wellness at the same time.

Choosing A Teen’s First Vibrator

Picking a teen’s first vibrator is much like choosing an adult’s first vibrator: it’s best if you have an idea of what you like first.

If you’re a teenager, the best way to do that is to masturbate with your hand. (And if you’re a parent or guardian, advise your teen to do so.)

A beginner vibrator should have a few basic characteristics:

It should be small, discreet, and quiet
It should be easy to use with simple buttons or remote control
It should provide multiple settings that start on a low vibration but can increase in intensity as needed

A nice-to-have feature is a waterproof vibrator.

A teenager can use it in the tub or shower, which greatly reduces the chances of anyone knowing what’s going on behind closed doors.

If you’re selecting a vibrator for a teen, think back to what you might have needed at that age — and use that as your guide.

Good vibrators for teens to experiment with include simple, easy-to-use designs that include:

And once they’re ready to explore others, there is an entire world of vibrator options waiting.

How To Get A Vibrator As A Teen

You don’t necessarily have to be 18 to buy a vibrator but that doesn’t mean you can always buy one where you live.

In the United States, there is no federal age limit on buying sex toys.

In-person sex toy shops typically have age restrictions on who can enter their store, however, usually because they also sell pornographic materials.

Some cities or counties have their own age restrictions on the sale of vibrators and other sex toys, even when they’re readily available in Target, Spencer’s, and other places.

Additionally, parents can purchase vibrators for their teens, and anyone with a credit or debit card can buy one online.

→ For more, read: Where To Buy A Vibrator Online Or In Person

What’s not always a good idea: DIYing your vibrator.

Homemade vibrators can be dangerous because they’re usually not made from body-safe materials and can’t be cleaned properly, which can lead to irritation and infections.

It is best to buy a body-safe vibrator from a reputable retailer, whether you buy it for yourself or someone else, although there are a few safe DIY vibrator options.

→ For more, read: 8 Playful And Fun DIY Homemade Items You Can Use As A Vibrator

In Conclusion

Are vibrators a good idea for teens?

Absolutely!

Vibrators help teenagers, whether girls or boys, to develop healthier views of their own bodies, sex, and sexual pleasure.

It’s not illegal for a teen to own a vibrator, though it may be difficult for them to purchase one without the help of an adult.

If your teen feels safe asking you to buy them a sex toy, don’t squander that opportunity.

Their future sex life will be affected by how you respond.

Dr. Milstein, the human sexuality health educator we spoke with earlier, said that such discussions “will help strengthen your relationship with them, since they know you’re someone they can talk to about personal topics.”

When in doubt, just buy them the best vibrator to suit their needs.

Editor’s Note: This article is part of our Complete Guide To Vibrators and Everything Vibrators hub, in-depth and evolving resources that comprehensively explore all aspects of vibrators from the different types and how to use them, to materials and safety — created to help you achieve the sexual pleasure you deserve.