Age of consent?

[Amnesiac]

The age of consent (the age you can legally have sex) is different in a lot of places around the world: in parts of Mexico it's 9, in the U.S. it ranges from 16 to 18, and some Middle Eastern countries ban it until marriage. So my question is: what do you guys think the most appropriate age of consent is? this seems like the right kind of forum to ask this question, because we are teens, y'know...

(Color coded map here! (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/ef/Age_of_Consent.png))

[MadManWithaBox]

I think the age of consent should be 16-18, like the US, worldwide.

[Jess]

it should be 18. anything below that - too young

[HillBillyWilly]

i think it should be 18.

16 is too young to be pregnant/ having sex.


besides, there's way too much teen plregnancy in the U.S. at least wait until everyone is out of school so it doesn't affect your chances of having bad grades and placing yourself in a low-oaying job because of your mistake.


Even if we put a age of consent on every country, there would still be those weho disobey that rule, just like now.

[Jess]

changed my mind, I agree with HillBillyWilly.

[Amnesiac]

Even if we put a age of consent on every country, there would still be those weho disobey that rule, just like now.

don't we see a lot of people way under the age of consent with their sex stories here on VT? I don't really think it's possible to enforce age of consent laws without breaching privacy laws and parts of the Bill of Rights.

[jimmycouch14]

I feel the age of consent should be based on an individual basis. After all in the US we can put kids to trial as an adult for murder, rape etc in their early teens. That is on an individual basis. Why can’t we do the same for sex?

[Cloud]

what does it matter what the age is
people are still going to have sex regardless of what the law says
considering you say some parts of the us have it at 16-18, and theres a us show called 16 and pregnant.... and theres tonnes of shows about teenage pregnancies

but if people listened i think its good at 16 tbh since in england thats when your out of compulsoiry education

[Jamie]

I would say the age that seems the most logical to myself to legalize sexual intercourse would be 15-16.

[Amnesiac]

I feel the age of consent should be based on an individual basis. After all in the US we can put kids to trial as an adult for murder, rape etc in their early teens. That is on an individual basis. Why can’t we do the same for sex?

It's well known that in American politics sex is an overly controversial subject. Because of the high moral standards a lot of people have in the here in the U.S. I don't think they would agree with letting anybody get away with sex under the age of consent, period. They want a set age limit, I guess, with no exceptions.

Not that I agree with that at all. I live in the South, and they teach abstinence down here, and the entire sex-ed program is based on "these extremely harsh and corrupted laws are supposed to scare teenagers away from having sex", although in the end there is no statistical change whatsoever.

[The Batman]

I would say the age that seems the most logical to myself to legalize sexual intercourse would be 15-16.

This^

It's about being mentally ready for sex more than anything and I'm pretty sure a 15-16 year old can decide whether or not they want to have sex with someone over or under the age of 18.

[dead]

I think it depends it should be 18 if they don't take other actions to make people smarter about sex and more understanding of how serious it is.

[Zephyr]

I think that 16-18 is appropriate.
Everyone's maturity level to handle sex is going to be different,
So you can't be to constrictive or too loose.

While age limits do help to some extent as it puts the fear in god in some people,
Some kids are going to have sex regardless of the law.
You've got to have some sort of limit though,
Otherwise there would be nothing to hold against sexual predators.

[INFERNO]

I think 16-18 years old should be the legal age because by the time you're 16 in Canada (and possibly the USA), you can receive and begin training for driving a vehicle under strict conditions. That level of maturity seems fit for the legal age to have sex. Also, around that age is when you're roughly in grade 11-12 and preparing for university, college, community college or whatever your post-high school academic and non-academic goals are.

I do agree that everyone is different and unique but there has to be some standard set other than constantly saying people are unique and be judged individually. Unless the person has an obvious developmental disorder, acquired neurological disorder or severe mental disorder, they can understand it at that age.

[Junky]

Does anyone else find it disgusting that in some areas of Mexico the age of consent is 9? :eek: Very distressing what people will do to children...

[Haydzzz]

15 because that would make what i did legal hahaha.

[Ryhanna]

15 because that would make what i did legal hahaha.

No.

I think it should be 18.

But regardless of what the age is, kids will continue to have sex. It won't stop them, they do it now.

[Jamie]

15 because that would make what i did legal hahaha.

Acts like that committed before a law is enacted... are still illegal (I think that's right)

[Continuum]

Our country's just disturbing, I mean, 12? :O Don't get me wrong but I feel sickened by our laws.

[The Dark Lord]

I would abolish the age of consent. Everyone who wants to can and does have underage sex, making the age of consent pointless and ineffective.

However I would implament a system where people have to register and pass a test before being allowed to reproduce, lowering the number of sub-standard "parents"

[The Batman]

I would abolish the age of consent. Everyone who wants to can and does have underage sex, making the age of consent pointless and ineffective. So if a 9 year old wants to have sex with a 30 year old it's fine? The laws are also there to protect.

However I would implament a system where people have to register and pass a test before being allowed to reproduce, lowering the number of sub-standard "parents"

That wouldn't really work since pregnancies aren't something the government can control. If someone wants to get pregnant they can just go have sex. So maybe a parenting class being mandatory in school would be more suitable.

[Ryhanna]

So maybe a parenting class being mandatory in school would be more suitable.

Thats a pretty good idea. I'm suprised they don't already do that...

[Sith Lord 13]

That wouldn't really work since pregnancies aren't something the government can control. If someone wants to get pregnant they can just go have sex. So maybe a parenting class being mandatory in school would be more suitable.

Well, it could, but good luck getting it ever passed in America. All it would require would be to have every child reversibly sterilized at birth. Doable, but unlikely to be approved in most modern democracies. (Note: I'm not saying I'm for or against this idea. Just that it is physically possible.)


Thats a pretty good idea. I'm suprised they don't already do that...

Some schools do, but not all. My school didn't.

[The Dark Lord]

So if a 9 year old wants to have sex with a 30 year old it's fine? The laws are also there to protect.

A 9 year old shouldn't be in that situation anyway although I do accept your point,

That wouldn't really work since pregnancies aren't something the government can control. If someone wants to get pregnant they can just go have sex. So maybe a parenting class being mandatory in school would be more suitable.

Yes but surely there are too many underage preganacies that are costing decent people too much money, a parenting class is an excellent idea but I think certain people should be monitored more closely

[Sith Lord 13]

Yes but surely there are too many underage preganacies that are costing decent people too much money, a parenting class is an excellent idea but I think certain people should be monitored more closely

Certain people?

[Ryhanna]

Some schools do, but not all. My school didn't.

Compulsory ones, I meant :)

[Sith Lord 13]

Compulsory ones, I meant :)

What about people who don't want kids?

[Ryhanna]

What about people who don't want kids?

Well, they may change their minds sometime in the future.
And no doubt they'll probably be faced with a child sometime during their lives - a siblings child, friend, relative... although these aren't their responsibilties, parenting classes are a good life skill.

[Sith Lord 13]

Not disagreeing with you, but I feel like playing devil's advocate.

What about people who've already had that kind of training, perhaps from raising a younger sibling? And people who either really don't want kids or intend on hiring a nanny? Wouldn't they all be better off with a more constructive class, better suited towards their future?

[Ryhanna]

I see what you're saying. Yes, theres some cases where it isn't necessary but think of it this way: Say someone never plans on having sex, they are asexual, and are not attraced to anything or anyone... They still have to do sexual education/health classes at some point during their school life.

If parenting classes were compulsory, I'd say they should be done around year 8/9 or as part of the sexual education class. That way it doesn't really get in the way of classes students want/need to do.

[ryker]

Here in the Demark, It is the 15 year birthday. I think that this is the best

[chrissm]

16 seems about right to me, you can get married at 16 in the UK (with your parents permission) so it wouldnt make sense for it to be any higher.

A large part of the purpose of the age of consent is to protect people below that age from older people. It 2 younger teens have sex here in the UK the police are not going to take any action against them, so I think we have a pretty reasonable system.

[The Dark Lord]

Certain people?

Teenagers, alcoholics and drug addicts should be monitored more closely than professional people, that is just common sense

[Origami]

So if a 9 year old wants to have sex with a 30 year old it's fine? The laws are also there to protect.

The age of consent is the legal age for sex. Even if it were abolished this would still be illegal. The law reads "Of no more than 3 years and of the age of consent." The age of consent part would simply be altered to an age and thus statutory rape would still exist.
Sorry Tom. ^^

[Amnesiac]

Teenagers, alcoholics and drug addicts should be monitored more closely than professional people, that is just common sense

But then there would be people complaining about discrimination and things like that, which is why we don't do racially-based airport screenings (for example).

[The Batman]

Teenagers, alcoholics and drug addicts should be monitored more closely than professional people, that is just common sense
Not really since a bad home comes at every pay rate.
Not disagreeing with you, but I feel like playing devil's advocate.

What about people who've already had that kind of training, perhaps from raising a younger sibling? And people who either really don't want kids or intend on hiring a nanny? Wouldn't they all be better off with a more constructive class, better suited towards their future?

They should still take parenting classes it's a really good thing to have rather you want kids or not especially since accidents happen. Also it won't hurt to learn about new ideas and ways to better raise kids.

[Marcie]

Personally, I think sex should always be reserved for marriage.

[[[chickaroo92]]]

I think the age should be 19 and up, which is marriageable age, and you're most likely out of high school, and regular school, therefore it's easier to raise the child.

[Jamie]

];920871'] therefore it's easier to raise the child.
What if it's a homosexual couple with no plans to adopt?

[starrburst]

I think it should be 18, however not many will obey the rule anyway so it is pointless...but still a good guideline for people.

[JunkBondTrader]

Does anyone else find it disgusting that in some areas of Mexico the age of consent is 9? :eek: Very distressing what people will do to children...

That struck me as odd too. I looked it up. Mexico's a federation like the US and laws differ from state to state but the majority can still prosecute people for having relations with anyone under 18.

[[[chickaroo92]]]

What if it's a homosexual couple with no plans to adopt?
It should still be the same.
It's way too young to start having sexual relationships before you're nineteen.

[The Batman]

];920952']It should still be the same.
It's way too young to start having sexual relationships before you're nineteen.

Why is that?

[[[chickaroo92]]]

Why is that?
Because, sex is really a thing that should be dealt with between mature adults, not a couple that are children. Also, emotionally, it's better. In reality, I don't really agree with having any type of sex before marriage. But, in case one does feel the need to be sexually in love with their lover, then do it at a emotionally stable age.

[Antares]

I think that the 16-18 ages are best and it seems most of the world is around that time.
I was a bit surprised because some cultures I thought would have them much higher than I suspected and they didnt.
I think anything under 13 is really creepy and I wonder what kind of laws they have to protect preteens from being raped and forced into sex.

[Jamie]

];920962']Because, sex is really a thing that should be dealt with between mature adults, not a couple that are children. Also, emotionally, it's better. In reality, I don't really agree with having any type of sex before marriage. But, in case one does feel the need to be sexually in love with their lover, then do it at a emotionally stable age.
You're not condescending at all!

[Daniel_]

I'd say with condoms, 15.

Without, 18+.

[Amnesiac]

I'd say with condoms, 15.

Without, 18+.

I've been waiting for someone to bring up protection/no protection.

I would have to agree with this.

[JunkBondTrader]

I've been waiting for someone to bring up protection/no protection.

I would have to agree with this.

You can't punish people for not using contraception. No one (or at least, very few) wants to become a parent aged 15-17 and certainly not catch an STD. Forcing people to use protection is just unworkable.

[The Dark Lord]

But then there would be people complaining about discrimination and things like that, which is why we don't do racially-based airport screenings (for example).

Do you think that drug addicts and alcoholics are responsible parents?

[patq]

i think 13+ cuz thats when u have more sexual desire (like me) and it would reduce the amount of illegal sex by tons...

[Amnesiac]

Do you think that drug addicts and alcoholics are responsible parents?

I don't, but not everyone's going to admit they're an addict. Don't you think someone walking through an airport nervously and awkwardly with tinted sunglasses and multiple layers of clothing on would more likely be a terrorist than a 3 year old boy going on his first vacation?

People are always going to complain about the government "unfairly" discriminating against them, which means a law calling for harsher treatment of teenagers and addicts wouldn't work. Who decides what constitutes an addict in the first place? Groups of people will disagree on details like that, lawsuits would be filed, ect. ect. That's the way our equalized society works.

[Rainstorm]

I'd say with condoms, 15.

Without, 18+.

But, can you prove that they wore condoms? And even then, you're not completly secure from STI's or Pregnancy.

I'd say that countries should set the age of consent to 18. However, if two teenagers that are within a certain range of ages (2 years?) want to have sex, then the families of one shouldn't be able to have the other arrested and charged.

Only should be 18 so perverted people don't try and get their hands on them (Though, sadly, they still do).

[Jess]

];920962']Because, sex is really a thing that should be dealt with between mature adults, not a couple that are children. Also, emotionally, it's better. In reality, I don't really agree with having any type of sex before marriage. But, in case one does feel the need to be sexually in love with their lover, then do it at a emotionally stable age.

I totally agree.

[Awesome]

Why have an age of consent? I've seen nothing to stop underage people have sex. People will do it anyways.
The best thing to do now, in this world, is to find better ways for safe sex, not better ways to stop underage sex.

Oh and I think my signature might even make sense in the topic, read below.

[Sage]

Why have an age of consent?

http://versatile1.files.wordpress.com/2008/09/pedobear.png

[tpzy94]

i think 16 but only if you have a condom

[Carly99]

There shouldn't be an age of consent. Everyone should be allowed to decide for themselves. I made the decision a long time ago. I knew when I was ready.

[Sporadica]

i think it should be 18.

16 is too young to be pregnant/ having sex.


besides, there's way too much teen plregnancy in the U.S. at least wait until everyone is out of school so it doesn't affect your chances of having bad grades and placing yourself in a low-oaying job because of your mistake.


Even if we put a age of consent on every country, there would still be those weho disobey that rule, just like now.

Well in reality teen sex rates have actualy been going down since our parents time in school. If you pay attention to media their reporting of stuff is goes up when there is less stuff going on. For instance a murder today you know the reporters go and talk to everyone and have a 5 minute peice but even back in the 80s a murder would sound like this "28 year old __________ was stabbed at _____ Street, a suspect is in custody" and thats it. Also age of consent actualy means how old someone has to be to have sex with someone older than that age. So if you are 13 and someone else is 14 you're not breaking the law just by having sex, in fact there are no laws that punish sex between 2 consenting people (not just adults).

[Sporadica]

it used to be 14 in Canada, now it's 16, now I have not heard of any instances where people say "oh the law says 16 so we have to wait 2 more years' that's BS, if laws are dumb and people don't want to obey them then they wont follow them. Frankly I think the government should have no say whatsoever with what 2 people do with their bodies. People are in a state today where we are so much of wimps that even tiny things like personal matters like sex we let the government tell us how it's going down.

So I think there should be no age of consent, people will know when they are ready, and if 2 people think they're ready they're going to do it. I also don't think that us as a society should be placing any limits on sex culture-wise. I think that a persons private life should be private, no one interfering and sticking their nose where it don't belong. Well I think im done here.

Stick you nose where it doesn't belong and you'll get a big whiff of something nasty

[HaydenM]

i would say 16 is a good age for the age of consent even though ultimately it has no real effect. If its 16 you dont HAVE to have sex at 16 but it also doesnt really stop you having sex before 16/

[Malcolm Tucker]

guys check the date of the last post. If it's over two months ago, don't post in that thread.

:locked: