What Do You Think the Legal Age for Sex Should Be?

What age do you think its appropriate to have sex?

Well in the UK the laws states that a young man or woman has to be 16 years of age. I personally think this is a “fair” age. Northern Ireland has recently changed its laws from 17 years to 16 years of age.

I personally feel that 16 or 17 years of age is a good guideline.

The only circumstance is which I can possibly agree with sex lower than the age of 16, is in developing countries, where the life span could only reach 40 years of age. So, in effect whereas in the rest of the world (where the average life span is in the 70’s), children mature at a younger age and so therefore reproduce at an earlier age.

In the UK though, having sex under the age of 16, must surely, be like having sex with a child? Due to the high teenage pregnancy rates in the UK (The highest in Western Europe) the government at one point was considering raising the age of consent to 18 years of age.

I dont think this would work even if the law was implented. Why? Well everyone appears so liberated these days and I doubt the law would have much effect on peoples opinions.

Its all down to a mixture of; sex education, morals and upbringing at the end of the day. Alot of parents in the UK seem to rely on schools to educate their children on sex education- when really, the responsibility should primarily be of the parent, which is one of the main problems with our society. Education is extremely important.

For homosexual and lesbian couples, I believe the age of consent should be at least 18 years of age. There are many risks of gay sex that children should be aware of, before they decide to engage in gay sex. I think there is a lack of education and understanding in this area for many teenagers who are struggling with their sense of identity and sexual preference. There are far greater risks in gay sex which teenagers need to be aware of (and which I will discuss in a further article on “The health risks of Gay Sex”)

Everyone has the right to happiness and equality, but equally is responsible for their own actions and protecting others.