General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Is it okay for a 18 year old to have sex with a 14 year old [View all]Ms. Toad
(34,256 posts)Age of consent laws criminalize all sexual activity by kids under an arbitrary age - even between peers of the same age. Kids who have sex before that age can typically be adjudicated delinquent by reason of engaging in sexual activity.
I would also not criminalize voluntary sexual activity among kids in the same peer group (high school, for example).
That is not the same thing as believing it is appropriate - I think there is far too much sexual activity among minors who are not ready for all of the consequences of it, and that parents and schools need to spend far more time in sex positive conversations with kids as they grow up so that they both embrace the good that sex adds to life - but also understand the consequences and have the skills to make good choices about when and with whom to engage in sexual activity.