I started using tampons in HS 13/14. My mother did not use them so they were never around my house. It was also around the time that there was much controvery over tampons causing TSS. My friends in school gave them to me the first time I tried. My mother was not thrilled but I was active in sports and swimming and it just made things convenient. I guess my daughter was 13 when she first used them. She was a cheerleader and I suggested it.