Sexual practices vary around the world. What one culture thinks of as normal, another culture thinks of as taboo (or forbidden). For instance...
...the age of consent varies depending on where you are in the world (and whether you're male or female, straight or gay/lesbian). Even within the United States, the age varies by state. According to AVERT (an international HIV and AIDS charity, based in the UK) some examples of variance include:
Must be married: Yemen/Pakistan/Saudi Arabia
21: Camaroon (18 if married)
18: Costa Rica/Kenya/California
17: Ireland/North Korea/Texas
16: New Zealand/Cuba/United Kingdom/Massachusetts
15: France/Greece/Denmark/ Ethiopia
14: Italy/China/Chile/Arka nsas (but only if you're male in AR; females have to wait until 16)
13: Nigeria/South Korea/Spain
12: Vatican State/Zimbabwe (but again, only if you're male in ZW; for females it's 16)
Taboo 02: The Age of Consent
Invited: All users.
Discussion Topics
1.
Should there be an "age of consent"? If so, what should it be?
(61 posts)
-Is there a universal age/time at which human beings in general are biologically and psychologically ready to have sex?
-Should the age vary according to sex? Or sexual preference? Or culture? Or any other factor?
-Should the age vary according to sex? Or sexual preference? Or culture? Or any other factor?
08/07/2011
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I think age of consent laws serve a practical purpose. They prevent children who are too young for sexual activity from being exploited. Teenagers pose a tricky situation. Though they may indeed be physically ready for sexual activity, not all of them are responsible enough or psychologically ready for sex. For practicality purposes, I suggest age 16 as a reasonable age of consent. In the absence of force, teens 16 and older are generally having sex, because it is what they want.
08/07/2011
At fourteen I knew what I was doing this should be the age it is in some states just not mine. 16 is legal age in ohio but there is a four year rule to that that, you can only be at max 20 with 16 here.
08/07/2011
growing up in new zealand I think everywhere should be 16. It was a very good imo, if you are mature enough to be in control of a vehicle and sign up for the army then you should be able to make the decision to have sex or not.
08/07/2011
In Canada our age of consent was 14, then got raised to 16 a few years ago. There's also an exemption for people between 14 and 16 whose partner is less than 5 years older, and for those between 12 and 14 whose partner is less than 2 years older.
I think 16 is a good age. 14 seems too young. Anything over 18 is silly since you are an adult at that point.
I think 16 is a good age. 14 seems too young. Anything over 18 is silly since you are an adult at that point.
08/07/2011
I think 16 is a good age. You know what you want more than when you are younger.
08/07/2011
My feeling on the matter is that people can be deceived and/or be deceptive at any age, so I ultimately think it depends on the individuals. I don't really think there is a universal age and I don't agree with the consent laws in my state, but I see the reasoning behind them.
08/07/2011
I think it mostly depends on individual maturity, however for the sake of legislation I think 16 is a good age. However I think that laws in place regarding age gaps and statutory rape should be more enforced.
08/07/2011
it really depends on the individual's maturity level. i think universal age just doesn't work
08/07/2011
I find it no suprise a Vatican state has the lowest age of consent.
08/08/2011
In my country it's 15 and I think it's a good choice. Extending it to 18 would cause people to ignore it as unrealistic. It would be difficult to enforce it and therefore could negatively impact younger teenagers we are trying to protect now.
08/08/2011
Quote:
Agreed.
Originally posted by
Ms. Spice
it really depends on the individual's maturity level. i think universal age just doesn't work
And some people should just never have sex, for risk of reproducing!
08/10/2011
Quote:
sometiems i think teh age of concent is dumbw hen it gets misused boyfriend girlfriend r underage one gets mad at the other the otehr tells something happened that may or may not of ruines that other persons life for anger
Originally posted by
EJ
-Is there a universal age/time at which human beings in general are biologically and psychologically ready to have sex?
-Should the age vary according to sex? Or sexual preference? Or culture? Or any other factor?
-Should the age vary according to sex? Or sexual preference? Or culture? Or any other factor?
08/10/2011
Quote:
I have to totally agree. If you can hop into a car, and earn your own income, then sex is going to happen for some people. Telling 16-year-olds, you can work and drive, but don't have sex is just a bit silly.
Originally posted by
Wondermom
growing up in new zealand I think everywhere should be 16. It was a very good imo, if you are mature enough to be in control of a vehicle and sign up for the army then you should be able to make the decision to have sex or not.
08/10/2011
You can go ahead and add Georgia to the 16 list, by the way.
And I think 16 is a good age. Though it's different for everyone. I just think that anyone younger than 14-16 is far too impressionable to have sex with someone much older than themselves.
And I think 16 is a good age. Though it's different for everyone. I just think that anyone younger than 14-16 is far too impressionable to have sex with someone much older than themselves.
08/14/2011
It depends on the person of course but I think 16 is a good age
01/16/2012
I have a friend from Nigeria and the horror stories she can tell about 13 year olds and what happens to them have altered my perspective on it forever. Physically, 16 is probably a good age. Emotionally/mentally, more like 18. Lets face it, the guys I dated at 16 are way different from the ones I dated later in life. And physical affection, at least for me, builds emotional ties so strongly that I feel I just wasn't ready at 16.
01/16/2012
I agree with 16. 15 I can see, but I think 16 is a good age of consent. I realize some people start having sex earlier, and not everyone reaches maturity at the same time, but 15 or 16 is when people really start maturing and doing it, so that's reasonable. Especially considering that age of consent is basically about having sex with an older partner.
However, I don't get that someone can legally have sex with their older boyfriend/girlfriend, but not legally be able to buy sex toys or send their partner naked pictures of themselves at that age. :/ It's kind of silly to me.
However, I don't get that someone can legally have sex with their older boyfriend/girlfriend, but not legally be able to buy sex toys or send their partner naked pictures of themselves at that age. :/ It's kind of silly to me.
01/16/2012
I agree with 15-16. I first started at 14 and, while I don't regret it and knew it wasn't "legal" (Not than many sexual things ARE legal in Alabama, anyway) I think waiting a bit would have been nice. I don't think I knew what I was getting into.
An age does need to be set though, just for protective purposes. Too many people are able to manipulate young minds, unfortunately.
An age does need to be set though, just for protective purposes. Too many people are able to manipulate young minds, unfortunately.
01/16/2012
I started at 14 but i noticed girls are starting to get more and more young as time goes on. I think that 16 is a good solid age to make some of your sexual decisions. The only problem is that a 16 year old cant typically afford the problems that come from sex.
01/25/2012
Since everyone is differen't it's a little hard to decide what age to put it at
01/27/2012
This is a hard one..
01/27/2012
Quote:
seriously. some people would be best without children...
Originally posted by
El-Jaro
Agreed.
And some people should just never have sex, for risk of reproducing!
And some people should just never have sex, for risk of reproducing!
01/27/2012
Quote:
18 i think is a good age.. 16 your still young and dumb enough to make serious mistakes..
Originally posted by
EJ
-Is there a universal age/time at which human beings in general are biologically and psychologically ready to have sex?
-Should the age vary according to sex? Or sexual preference? Or culture? Or any other factor?
-Should the age vary according to sex? Or sexual preference? Or culture? Or any other factor?
02/02/2012
I think 18 is a good age too.
02/03/2012
18 is ok
02/03/2012
I'm between 16 and 18
02/03/2012
18.
Kids in high school are just kids and still growing and learning. When they are 18 they become an adult. They are free to do what they want in life. Kids in high school are stupid basically- they are still caught up in drama and petty things, and who’s kissing who crap. Decision making wise, they don't make good decisions. They may feel like they are ready for things like that but they are not, they are not mature enough to be making those decisions.
A person’s brain fully develops around about age 25. The part of your brain you use to make decisions isn't fully formed till around age 22.
Kids think they are ready way before their time. Just because you started your period doesn’t mean you’re an adult and able to make life changing decisions like that. Sex is a big thing; you have to be mentally/psychological ly ready for it. There are risks to your mental and physical health by having sex. As well as getting pregnant or becoming a father before you are mentally ready for it.
Kids can be easily swayed to have sex especially by older people, sometimes just because they don't want to seem 'uncool' or a prude. That doesn't sound like a person who can make their own decisions. They just aren't adults yet.
Kids under 18 are hormonal messes. Their brains are at the most crucial developmental years/state. They are not making good decisions.
Ages under 16 shouldn't even be up for discussion. Those are little kids. Just coming into their teens- Just starting to develop. Those children would rather play video games than anything else. They cannot mentally or physically handle it.
18 is a good age. You're out in the world now ready to make your own decisions; the baby bird has now flown the nest. You are still not fully developed at this age, but your almost there. You’re becoming your own person. This should be the universal age of consent everywhere.
And I am a 20 year old with no children. So I’m not being motherly or over protective. Children having sex before their time is just damaging even if they think they are ready.
I told myself I wouldn't comment because I believe this so strongly I would make a huge post, lol. Couldn’t help it.
Kids in high school are just kids and still growing and learning. When they are 18 they become an adult. They are free to do what they want in life. Kids in high school are stupid basically- they are still caught up in drama and petty things, and who’s kissing who crap. Decision making wise, they don't make good decisions. They may feel like they are ready for things like that but they are not, they are not mature enough to be making those decisions.
A person’s brain fully develops around about age 25. The part of your brain you use to make decisions isn't fully formed till around age 22.
Kids think they are ready way before their time. Just because you started your period doesn’t mean you’re an adult and able to make life changing decisions like that. Sex is a big thing; you have to be mentally/psychological ly ready for it. There are risks to your mental and physical health by having sex. As well as getting pregnant or becoming a father before you are mentally ready for it.
Kids can be easily swayed to have sex especially by older people, sometimes just because they don't want to seem 'uncool' or a prude. That doesn't sound like a person who can make their own decisions. They just aren't adults yet.
Kids under 18 are hormonal messes. Their brains are at the most crucial developmental years/state. They are not making good decisions.
Ages under 16 shouldn't even be up for discussion. Those are little kids. Just coming into their teens- Just starting to develop. Those children would rather play video games than anything else. They cannot mentally or physically handle it.
18 is a good age. You're out in the world now ready to make your own decisions; the baby bird has now flown the nest. You are still not fully developed at this age, but your almost there. You’re becoming your own person. This should be the universal age of consent everywhere.
And I am a 20 year old with no children. So I’m not being motherly or over protective. Children having sex before their time is just damaging even if they think they are ready.
I told myself I wouldn't comment because I believe this so strongly I would make a huge post, lol. Couldn’t help it.
02/03/2012
Well, an individual's maturity level is going to vary quite greatly. To draw a quote from Susan Campbell Bartoletti's novel No Man's Land, which I read some years back: "There are men who are 14 and boys who are 40." I think this holds true - and for girls and women, as well. For the sake of practicality and the law, I think 16 is a good age, provided that information about safe sex habits is readily available.
02/04/2012
I think it's 18 here, but I wasn't interested in sex until I was 16 so that could be a good number.
02/04/2012
tricky question
02/04/2012
Quote:
Since everyone is differen't it's a little hard to decide what age to put it at
Originally posted by
EJ
-Is there a universal age/time at which human beings in general are biologically and psychologically ready to have sex?
-Should the age vary according to sex? Or sexual preference? Or culture? Or any other factor?
-Should the age vary according to sex? Or sexual preference? Or culture? Or any other factor?
02/04/2012
I have a much rougher time with this now that I have teenaged daughters myself. Thirteen seems SO young to me now. I think I always thought sixteen was right. That said, I hope my girls wait until they are emotionally ready for that kind of relationship. Spoken just like a mom...
02/04/2012
Quote:
I think the legal age of consent should be set at 16
Originally posted by
EJ
-Is there a universal age/time at which human beings in general are biologically and psychologically ready to have sex?
-Should the age vary according to sex? Or sexual preference? Or culture? Or any other factor?
-Should the age vary according to sex? Or sexual preference? Or culture? Or any other factor?
12/16/2012
The law is a practical demarcation that, in my opinion, is primarily supposed to protect minors. Tough subject.
12/17/2012
Quote:
I think it totally depends on the person; there should be no legal age of consent.
Originally posted by
EJ
-Is there a universal age/time at which human beings in general are biologically and psychologically ready to have sex?
-Should the age vary according to sex? Or sexual preference? Or culture? Or any other factor?
-Should the age vary according to sex? Or sexual preference? Or culture? Or any other factor?
12/17/2012
People have different levels of maturity, but I think 17 is a good age for legal consent.
12/17/2012
Living in Canada right now the age of consent is 16 a few years ago it was 14 which is what I think is fine. also something that some might find interesting is the age of consent for Anal is 18.
I think 18 is a little steep.
I met my hubby when I was 16 he was 25 although he said he felt a little weird at first, so we waited till I was 17. we only had to wait a couple months we've been together for over 10 years now.
I think 18 is a little steep.
I met my hubby when I was 16 he was 25 although he said he felt a little weird at first, so we waited till I was 17. we only had to wait a couple months we've been together for over 10 years now.
12/17/2012
I think 16-17 would be an alright age. Reading others responses here, I do agree with the if you're able to earn income, drive, and some other things you might be old/mature enough to consent. But since everyone matures at different ages it's hard to really say what's right, but under 14 is too young imo.
12/18/2012
Quote:
split
Originally posted by
EJ
-Is there a universal age/time at which human beings in general are biologically and psychologically ready to have sex?
-Should the age vary according to sex? Or sexual preference? Or culture? Or any other factor?
-Should the age vary according to sex? Or sexual preference? Or culture? Or any other factor?
12/18/2012
16 is a good age. Not everyone is ready, but I think it protects those who are in consensual and happy relationships who decide they are ready. If a 14 year old wants to have sex, then it should be with another 14 year old, and that is not legally problematic anyway unless one of them forced the other into it or an adult forced them. Culturally in the US 16 makes sense.
12/18/2012
It's 16 in my country and I'm fine with that, though I personally never had sex at that age and it's unlikely that I would do it without someone that young these days.
12/18/2012
I also think that the laws serve a practical purpose, and that 16 is a good age.
12/18/2012
15. Is good
12/20/2012
I think 16 is fine in America, I do think culture has a lot to do with it, as well as the individual
12/20/2012
Quote:
I don't think there's a universal age
Originally posted by
EJ
-Is there a universal age/time at which human beings in general are biologically and psychologically ready to have sex?
-Should the age vary according to sex? Or sexual preference? Or culture? Or any other factor?
-Should the age vary according to sex? Or sexual preference? Or culture? Or any other factor?
02/18/2013
Quote:
16 would be the most acceptable to me, but it varies on culture and an international law is kinda gross. It's infringement on different cultures.
Originally posted by
EJ
-Is there a universal age/time at which human beings in general are biologically and psychologically ready to have sex?
-Should the age vary according to sex? Or sexual preference? Or culture? Or any other factor?
-Should the age vary according to sex? Or sexual preference? Or culture? Or any other factor?
02/18/2013
I think you need to pick an arbitrary age. 16 is reasonable
02/18/2013
This is one of those issues that scream...depends. I see the need for a legal age of consent, but I also see the need for many variables to be considered. However, if pressed, I say 16 should be the age of consent. If you're considered responsible enough to have a drivers license and drive a car, I think you can be responsible enough to legally have sex.
02/18/2013
All I'm saying is the brain isn't fully developed until 25.
02/20/2013
Quote:
Then we shouldn't have to work, join the military, or be allowed to drink until after 25...
Originally posted by
MrWill
All I'm saying is the brain isn't fully developed until 25.
(And I'm being only slightly sarcastic here, but some people never get past the high school stage of life regardless of how old they are. Always looking for drama and chaos and if none is found, they create it.)
02/20/2013
I don't think there's a universal age, but for practicality's sake, I think the legal age of consent should be set at: 16
02/20/2013
Quote:
Agreed! And lets not forget driving or visiting websites that you now have to be 18 to visit...or god forbid getting married without having your parents consent.
Originally posted by
Ansley
Then we shouldn't have to work, join the military, or be allowed to drink until after 25...
(And I'm being only slightly sarcastic here, but some people never get past the high school stage of life regardless of how old they are. ... more
(And I'm being only slightly sarcastic here, but some people never get past the high school stage of life regardless of how old they are. ... more
Then we shouldn't have to work, join the military, or be allowed to drink until after 25...
(And I'm being only slightly sarcastic here, but some people never get past the high school stage of life regardless of how old they are. Always looking for drama and chaos and if none is found, they create it.) less
(And I'm being only slightly sarcastic here, but some people never get past the high school stage of life regardless of how old they are. Always looking for drama and chaos and if none is found, they create it.) less
02/21/2013
If there was more education on safe sex and birth control available to the younger crowd I'd say 16, but as it is I think 18 is good.
02/21/2013
I think 16 is a good age. I know a lot of people who had it around then.
02/22/2013
Interesting thread and info.
02/22/2013
I'm not sure I have a clear cut opinion on this, but I think I'd go for it being higher. Young teenagers just aren't mature enough for sex and there are so many of them who aren't even careful- teenage pregnancy rates are through the roof! I waited till I was 2 months shy of 20 and that was perfect for me.
I feel like sex is for adults.
I feel like sex is for adults.
02/25/2013
Age of consent should be 16, if only because a lot of young guys get in trouble dating younger girls who then cry rape as revenge. Be it, 16 year olds are still very susceptible to manipulation and could easily be taken advantage of, and then the man is protected. So... I have no clue. I really think people should just talk about sex, keep it safe instead of dangerous and taboo for the weak.
02/25/2013
16 is a good age in my opinion. It's the age of consent in my state.
02/26/2013
Quote:
Still a big fan of 18...old fashioned I guess.
Originally posted by
EJ
-Is there a universal age/time at which human beings in general are biologically and psychologically ready to have sex?
-Should the age vary according to sex? Or sexual preference? Or culture? Or any other factor?
-Should the age vary according to sex? Or sexual preference? Or culture? Or any other factor?
03/10/2013
I don't think there's a universal age, but for practicality's sake, I think the legal age of consent should be set at:
03/10/2013
Total posts: 61
Unique posters: 58