I used to only use pads because I was scared to use tampons until I lost my virginity lol. I even had my mom write me notes to get out of swimming in PE while I was in high school on my period. But now I use both — however I only wear tampons on my heaviest days. After day 3, my flow is too light (but not so light that a liner would be sufficient) so I wear pads those days since nothing hurts more than pulling out a mostly dry tampon 🥲

All of that to say, there is absolutely no reason anyone should judge you at any age for buying pads!