Age of sexual consent

[nrg]

As far as I know, the age of consent in the United States varies among states, but 16 is the lowest any state is prepared to go, and the most populous state, California, sets the bar at 18.

I'm not quite sure I get why your age of consent is so dramatically high. In Sweden, it's 15 years old but is not really enforced. Sexual activity in ages as low as 12 is far from unheard of and, at least in the major cities, it doesn't even make people raise an eye brow. On avarage, a third of all the teenagers graduating primary school have lost their virginity, and that's the year they turn 16. The rest generally loses it in secondary school, wich they graduate from the year they turn 19. Those who leave secondary school without losing their virginity make out a couple per mil of the population.

And I know alot of countries have way lower ages of consent, even EU-countries. Germany's age of consent is 14, but I have no idea if they're as liberal when it comes to sex as Sweden.

So, what's your view? Is the European view on teen sex too liberal? If not, what makes it better than the American? If it is, what consequences might result from it?

[bobhikes]

My answer is 2 questions. Why would a teenager need to have sex? Are the negative outcomes of having sex as a teenager far worse than the positive pleasure?

[9-10ths_Penguin]

I believe it's still 14 in Canada, though the Federal government has been pushing to increase that to 16.

My personal ideal scenario:

- under 14: consent not possible
- 14 - 18: consent possible, but only with someone close in age.
- over 18: consent possible with anyone, regardless of age difference.

[nrg]

Originally Posted by bobhikes

My answer is 2 questions. Why would a teenager need to have sex?

They don't. Why would an adult need alcohol? Or fast food?

Originally Posted by bobhikes

Are the negative outcomes of having sex as a teenager far worse than the positive pleasure?

I don't think so. I mean, I had my first sex-ed when i was 11, and right of the bat we talked protection. I don't see how the consequences out weigh the pleasure if you know what you're doing.

[MW0082]

Originally Posted by 9-10ths_Penguin

I believe it's still 14 in Canada, though the Federal government has been pushing to increase that to 16.

My personal ideal scenario:

- under 14: consent not possible
- 14 - 18: consent possible, but only with someone close in age.
- over 18: consent possible with anyone, regardless of age difference.

I would have to agree with you hear whole heartedly.

Anyone younger than fourteen is still dealing with too many obstacles and just beginning puberty. they would not have the right mindset to make an educated and wise decision.

Till they are 18, yes with similiar aged individuals. they are still sexually niave, and anyone older could take advantage of that IMHO...

[Dezzie]

Goodness... how many teen pregnancies are there in Sweden, just out of curiousity? Personally, I don't see why young adults and children need to be having sex. In my opinion, under 17 is WAY too young. There's already a population issue... now there are children having sex and getting pregnant, causing the population to grow even quicker. Goodness... we aren't going to have any room left in the World to live if children and others keep popping them out... Especially if they are too young in the first place. I mean... In America you graduate high school around 18 yrs... If you are sexually active at 13-16 and get preggo, life is going to REALLY tough for you. I just don't get why kids want to grow up so fast! Enjoy life as a kid... goodness... No sex until AFTER school at least!

[Smoke]

I definitely don't think the age of consent should be any older than 35.

[Dezzie]

Originally Posted by nrg

I had my first sex-ed when i was 11, and right of the bat we talked protection. I don't see how the consequences out weigh the pleasure if you know what you're doing.

I think I had my first sex-ed class was around 13-ish (of course... that was 9 years ago... a lot has changed!)... I remember there being a big hype about having sex-ed classes for children a lot younger. I think one of my younger sisters already had sex-ed and she is 11.

[nrg]

Originally Posted by 9-10ths_Penguin

I believe it's still 14 in Canada, though the Federal government has been pushing to increase that to 16.

Seems like it was raised to 16 in 2008 CBC News - Canada - Canada's age of consent raised by 2 years

My personal ideal scenario:

- under 14: consent not possible
- 14 - 18: consent possible, but only with someone close in age.
- over 18: consent possible with anyone, regardless of age difference.

Well, it's a pretty tough subject. I personally have no problem with 13 year olds engaging in sexual activity, but I think it should be with someone close in age when your below 15. But I'm not really positive on this one, at least not enough to give a number. I know we should have unambiguous rules if we are to have rules at all, but so much depends on how mature the teen agers in question are.

[nrg]

Originally Posted by Dezzie

Goodness... how many teen pregnancies are there in Sweden, just out of curiousity?

One of the lowest rates in the world. The United States have a rate that is more than seven times larger. Indicator information: Globalis - an interactive world map