At what age do you think it's acceptable for people to be READY to have sex? What age do you think people will understand what they're getting into and be mature enough to make safe decisions about their sex lives?

In NY, the age of consent is 17. Which is funny because you have to be 18 to buy/watch porn. Heh.

I think 17 is a good age. People are experimenting and finding who they are, blah blah blah, but they're old enough that they should be able to make sound decisions about their sex lives. They know what they want and don't want, what they are and aren't ready for, and it should be easier to NOT give into peer pressure when it comes to sex...or say yes, if they wanna go for it. XD

I've seen some places where the age of consent is about 13. 13?! Are you kidding me?! How many people here can honestly say that at the age of 13 they knew full well what they wanted and what they were doing, etc, etc...? Pfft.

People are still going through puberty at age 13. It'd be like sleeping with a child. Or a child sleeping with another child. Which is wrong, yoz. 13 is not an adult.

I dunno, what do you guys think?

1. What is the age of consent where you are and do you agree with it?
2. What age do you think should be the youngest accepted age of consent?
3. How do you think a place determines what THEY believe the right age should be?
4. Do you think the age of consent actually matters to anyone? Does it stop people from having sex?

It seems like the age in most places is sixteen. I think it should be eighteen. Because like you said, you can't even buy or watch porn until you're eighteen. So it makes no logical sense that you can have actual sex yourself at a younger age than you can watch other people having sex. And it makes more sense to require people to actually be an adult to do that sort of thing. But honestly I don't think age of consent even matters because stupid teens will do what they feel like regardless. I don't think there's many people out there that take laws like that seriously. Just like porn, if someone wants it, they will do it even if it's illegal. It's not like they'll be easily caught.

1. What is the age of consent where you are and do you agree with it?
2. What age do you think should be the youngest accepted age of consent?
3. How do you think a place determines what THEY believe the right age should be?
4. Do you think the age of consent actually matters to anyone? Does it stop people from having sex?

1- 16, I think it's reasonable enough, but I think people have a tendency to abuse it, because when they go to information centres they give under 18's free condom's etc.
And also, the schools all have sex education, yes, but they don't show the things that can happen becuase of it quite as much.
2- I think 16 is certainly young enough, any younger and I personally think it's quite sick.
Let's face it though, when a child 'thinks' there ready, nothing is going to stop them.
3- I think it's the Poorer countries who have a younger consent, because in alot of those countires it's a source of income for alot of families, which is a sad but true fact.
But i don't think where or what a country is should affect the age, becuase it's more of the fact of how mature the child is, or claims to be.
4- Not at all, I think it is so Glamourised in the press, and the media, that people are just itching to get out there and try it, Usually there first time is a long way from spectacular, but once they've done it, they just want to keep trying it.
In alot of cultures it's almost a status symbol, How many people you have engaged in depends on just how Popular you are.

This is quite a sad world really.

Personally, I don't think there should be a legal "age of consent." Not because I think it's totally fine for little kids to be having sex; quite the opposite, actually. I think the age of consent is pointless, because it puts a huge "forbidden fruit" appeal on sex. The more taboo we make it, the more young teens want it.

That said, I've sworn not to have sex until I'm at least 25. That's roughly the age where someone's brain is fully mature. Some people reach that point sooner, others later, but that is about the average age, according to a few studies I've read.

Technically, it's not that uncommon for someone to be PHYSICALLY ready by age 12. But, in the kind of society that we live in, I see it as best to wait until someone is, by all physical standards, an adult.

I don't know what the actual age of consent here in California is, actually. But...I don't particularly care, because no one else does. Besides which, since it's definitely below 25, it doesn't affect me.

I think that the age of consent is too low, because the brain has not developed enought to make decisions properly. Scientific reports show that the human brain does not mature until the mid twentys.

That is why there are more young people who have accidents because the risk assesment portion of the brain has not developed enough to assess the risk factor properly.

So the age of concent should be at least 21 years of age.

And there is a big difference between physicial and mental maturity.

I just did a quick search, and it appears the functioning age of consent where I am is 16, but only if you're five or more years older. As long as the age difference is less than 5 years, then the age of consent is 14. Kind of a strange law, but I'm not going to knock it since I don't really think the government has the right to impose this kind of policy on people. It inhibits freedom.

1. What is the age of consent where you are and do you agree with it?
2. What age do you think should be the youngest accepted age of consent?
3. How do you think a place determines what THEY believe the right age should be?
4. Do you think the age of consent actually matters to anyone? Does it stop people from having sex?

This is always a question about human maturity, moral, and common sense.

I personally believe so long that a person is ready for sex, IE sexually mature, and knowledgeable of the consequences and costs that sex can bring. If one can be mature enough to understand that sexual intercourse also runs a risk of fertilization - which is absolutely a life-changing event.

I have to go with Chef from Southpark on this. "17" that is the age.

By 17 most kids have taken the sex ed classes in school and have had plenty of time to talk about it with friends, ect. They are also generally more financially secure and able to purchase condoms, birth control, ect.

I do not believe anyone under the age of 16 should be having sex really...

16 is the age of consent in European countries, - I believe is what I've heard.

15 is too young, anything younger than that is just wrong.

The third question I do not fully understand. A "place" determines the sexual readiness of a person?

A slums sort of situation, the person should be held to the same standards as a high-class. It's not about where you live, it is about how you as a person have grown physically and mentally.

Age of consent should matter...unfortunately it generally doesn't.

I know of plenty of guys at the school I just graduated from who have done it with girls 15 and under. Generally it is the sway of popularity. Parties and alcohol play a big part in it, as do basic human desires.

When I say a "place" I mean, basically, how do you think a State or Provence or whatever should determine what their age of consent should be? How do you think they determine what to SET that age of consent at?

I would imagine that the states based it upon pre-set laws.

It is difficult to say what influences those sort of choices. Through the USA, it seems the age of consent is set at a steady 18 years old.

Again, I am having problems grasping the question. ^^;

Mmm, that's not necessarily true about the US. The age of consent varies from state to state. Like I mentioned before, the age of consent here, in NY, is 17. I know some states in the US where the age of consent is only about 14-15. Which is absurd. It varies from state to state.

It's really a "what do you think?" kinda question because none of us will really know how the government decides what the age of consent should be. We can only speculate. XD

1. What is the age of consent where you are and do you agree with it?

16 years old. Yes, I agree with it. Most people in my country are knifing and gang-warring between 13-15 years anyway in the worst places. Anyone younger than 16 with access to the internet is easily able to access things they "shouldn't" be seeing. It's incredibly easy to lie about your age, and the age checks in place can be got around.

2. What age do you think should be the youngest accepted age of consent?

16. By 16 years, most people are physically ready to cope with intercourse. Emotionally ready is another thing entirely, however.

3. How do you think a place determines what THEY believe the right age should be?

Probably using other place's rules as a point of reference and also stats on young kids exposure to sex stuff, looking at the current culture of the age group in question. Or at least, thats what should be used.

4. Do you think the age of consent actually matters to anyone? Does it stop people from having sex?

It depends what circumstances you grow up in. If your parents and society in general never gave a damn, neither will you. The legality doesn't even begin to be a factor - as demonstrated by criminals. They know what the laws are and still break them, don't they? Same thing here. To be honest, its all up to the individual and their circumstances, methinks.

Age of consent doesnt matter anymore to anyone but the legal system. It is another rule imposed on society to try and control just one more thing in peoples lives. Granted, by not following this law. Nothing bad will happen, until some 25 year old gets a 15 year old pregnant and ends up in jail for Statuary Rape. But who is to stop two people who 'love' each other?

*Note: not age specific*
People in high school being surrounded by the drama of growing up tend to have that white veil over their morales and beliefs that is slowing coming into picture for them. Now, you get the confused younger person who believes whatever the older person of the relationship tells them and thinks they are in love with this person. They decide to have sex. First off. The person is deciding they want to become sexually active with this person which is already leading them into a whole different area in life where Sex is involved regardless whether the person is in their grade, or 10 years older. So, lets say the person in high school is 15. They are interested in older people because they are more mature. Who is to stop them from dating? Nothing wrong with dating someone under this age of consent. Having sex with the is the only legal issue in most states. So if you allow people to date, and see other. Why restrict them from sex? If they want to be sexually active who is going to really stop them from it?

Oh, legal age of consent should be 18. The same age that you become responsible in the governments eyes for your actions and can go to jail for what you do.

Well, I don't really care what age someone is. If they are fully developed, and they think they are ready, then let them. Forcing our beliefs on what age they should be will only cause them to rebel and do it regardless of if they think they are ready or not. Sadly, many teens, from what I've picked up from my classes, don't care as long as it feels good. I, personally, am waiting until I'm an adult to do stuff like that. I think it's dumb to have sex at a young age and take on such a large responsability, but the choice is theirs. Nothing, not even the law can force them into or out of it. Not to mention, everywhere is different, too. Some places allow you to be 16, some allow 17, and so on.

I think the Age of Consent laws should be abolished altogether.

Who are we to say when an individual has the capability to have sex? It's the government meddling in a place that does not need to be meddled in. It is a personal choice to be made by the teen. If they are not ready... then that is their own fault, their own problem to deal with.
In addition, this law is not stopping anyone, and therefore not protecting anyone. If a 12 year old wants to have sex, do you think they stop for a second to think about AoC laws? Can any of you who are currently not virgins say that these laws crossed your minds before you had sex (assuming you had underage sex)? I know I sure as hell can't. The fact that they're difficult to enforce isn't exactly helping the situation. My point here is that if they want to do it, they will. Why impose the freedoms of some who deserve them to supposedly protect others that do it anyway?

In addition, the age of consent ranges from state to state. It is completely and totally ridiculous that a fifteen year old isn't legal to have sex in some states, but all they have to do is hop a border and it's suddenly okay. If we're going to have these laws, we can at least make them consistent. I don't think the maturity of teenagers varies by state.

Its 16 over here.

but the age to watch/buy porn is 18...i think thats silly xD

but to be honest, if you look at people these days, they don't listen to laws at all

they see somebody smoke and think, oooh, i wanna be grown up so i'm gonna start now.

they think the same when they see teenage mums and 13 year olds with OVERLY REVEALING clothing.

i would honestly say put it up to 18, but theres never gonna be a sucessful way of making it work. so we're screwed basically.

i think when its my time to have kids, im gonna lock them up till they're 18 xDD
kiddin...but i wish there was a way we could make them wait without being too strict on them =/

young girls often like older boys, and the older boys are almost always in the frame of mind that thinks 'omg, i wanna be cooler than my friends, so im gonna have sex first!'

Well, I see the age of consent as more or less like a guideline since it's different in all areas. If there was a set biological reasoning (except puberty of course, but even that varies), then there would be 1 age EVERYWHERE

Even within the states of the US it varies, I believe. Some of the more common ages are 16, 18 and even 21.

Regardless, I think it should be whenever the couple feels ready. Unfortunantly there ARE cases with kids thinking they know what they want when they don't. But that'll be their on consequences they'll have to handle. (and that's why there's an age of consent so it doesn't happen as frequently *cough* so we'd hope)

@Madd-- I think that's the intention, but it doesn't work that way.
Teens couldn't care less about the age of consent, really...
I've yet to see it stop anyone.

yeah, that's what I meant. It's there to help but noone really cares to notice. They're just kids thinking it's another way of adults to keep them under wraps. and they don't actually know how much it helps to actually wait.

People want to grow up too fast. Then when the responsibilities hit, they wish they hadn't.

1. What is the age of consent where you are and do you agree with it?
2. What age do you think should be the youngest accepted age of consent?
3. How do you think a place determines what THEY believe the right age should be?
4. Do you think the age of consent actually matters to anyone? Does it stop people from having sex?

1 - I don't actually know what it is here, but I always thought it was 18 everywhere @[email protected]

2 - I think 17-18 sounds right since they're already close to/capable of working full time jobs, meaning they should already have the responsibility

3 - Maybe they just ask people? Like a survey or something.

4 - Well, I don't think it matters to most people. They think the moment is "right" so they try it. Or some want to have kids early.

I figure as long as they can afford the kid they'll probably have they can go right ahead. If they're responsible and know what they're getting themselves into I see no problem.

People who BRAG about it however... >.> they annoy me.

The age here in Washington is 16 (with all these weird exceptions depending on who the partner is all that), which I think is fine. You can drive a car, why not be able to have sex? I think it's dumb that you have to be 18 to buy porn, though.

You want to know what's really dumb? The fact that some states have ages of consent that differ depending on if the sex is hetero or homosexual. Why in heaven's name should -that- matter?

I never understood why it makes a difference for homosexual sex. O___o;; It's not like it takes more emotional capacity to have gay sex than it does straight sex.

I don't know who we're kidding. Everyone over the age of 11 has seen porn before. Come on, all you have to do is turn on HBO and it's BOOBSBOOBSBOOBS. Who are we protecting, exactly?

@Fabby: Or vice versa. Some states have something like 14 for homosexual sex and 16 for heterosexual sex. I guess it relates to the idea that homosexuals are like a different race or something xD (our government is so messed up)
Seriously. And with the internet out there....all it takes to get onto a porn site is to click a little button that says "yes, I am 18". I personally believe the age to buy porn and the age of consent should be the same. To be in porn, though, that's a different story.

The age of consent where I live is 16, which I'm ok with personally.

I think the age of consent should vary depending where in the world you are, and indeed it does, but the overall deciding factor should be the same. When you're in your final year of highschool. School dictates your maturaty level along with how much you know. Say if you start school at 7 you won't have had the same exposure to the world as someone who started at 3 so you should wait longer till you're ready to have sex.

I think all of the laws concerning age are a little bit screwed up where I live.

To vote, you have to be eighteen.
To drive, you have to be seventeen.
To see a film at the cinemas that contains sexual or excessively violent scenes, you have to be eighteen.

And yet at the age of sixteen, anyone can start having sex.
I don't understand it myself.
It just seems like the priorities are messed up.
v.v

It's 15 where I'm at. I don't have a really firm idea of what is the 'perfect' age of consent, but I am determined that what sort of culture you live in will affect how prepared you are to understand and take responsibility when you have sex.
As far as I see it, Western cultures have a "Sex is bad! You'll learn about it in detail later" attitude, which I think screws up children's impressions about sex. If a 14 year old has been educated about it, has been raised to be responsible then I do fully believe she can make good decisions, but if a 17 year old hasn't got any sort of information and is unaware of the implications of having sex, then I am convinced she/he will have a hard time taking responsibility if things turn sour.