What is it?
The age at which you can legally have sex.
What are the rules?
- In England, Scotland and Wales we have to be 16 or older to have homosexual (gay) or heterosexual (straight) sex.
- In Northern Ireland you have to be 17 or older to have homosexual or heterosexual sex.
- 'Sex' means penetrative sex, oral sex or masturbating together.
Just because we've blown out 16 candles on our birthday cake, doesn't mean we're ready for sex
What happens if you have underage sex?
The law sees it as sexual assault - it's a criminal offence. This is because in the eyes of the law we are unable to give informed consent to sex when still a child.
- A boy who has sex with a girl under 16 (17 in NI) is breaking the law. Even if she agrees.
- If she is 13-15, the boy could go to prison for two years.
- If she is under 13 he could be sentenced to life imprisonment.
- A girl age 16 or over who has sex with a boy under 16 can be prosecuted for indecent assault.
The law isn't there to make life difficult. It's there to protect us. Everyone is ready for sex at different ages. But the law has to generalise. To protect those who are most vulnerable, from exploitation.
There is no law against asking questions. Or finding out about sex. What it means, how to do it, how to protect ourselves from the consequences: pregnancy, STIs. And broken heart.
So, once you're 16 it's OK to have sex?
It's legal, except with someone who's in a 'position of trust' over us. This includes teachers, carers and doctors, who we trust to look after us. It's illegal for them to have sex with under-18s in their care.
Just because we've blown out 16 candles on our birthday cake, doesn't mean we're ready for sex. Do what feels right for you. Just make sure you understand what sex is about and get clued-up on safe sex and contraception before you do anything.
Further help and advice
there4me.com
brook.org.uk
likeitis.org
Written by Dr Melissa Sayer
Last updated 3rd July 2007
?????, 14
i think that you should wait till you have found the right person and not just jump into bed with the first boy you like. also you should wait until you are over 16 or even later if you aren't ready for sex.but most of all don't let anyone preassure you into having sex!
9xshu, 13-14
We think underage sex is wrong because there are too many risks, STIs, pregnancy risks and your body is not physically ready. And also you are not emotionally ready. If you get pushed, stand your ground and dont let anyone take advantage and make you do something you regret.
Grace, 16
I think that if a girl or boy is ready, then they are ready, it would be nyc to have sex with the true love. but if your 16 you're not going to wait until it comes along. My advice is aslong as you use a condom and you know that your ready then go and have sex. (just dont have too many different sex partners or otherwise people will think your a slag) but good luck!
Georgina, 14
this might sound like im some sort of slag or slut but unless you use protection and your mature enough and you know your having safe sex and you understand what it is, does it matter the age that you are? i mean ive not had sex but thinking about it makes sense in one way or another, i understand the law is there to protect us but if your with someone you love and yuve been with them for aages i dont think it matters, unless your safe and ready i say :)
Leah, 18
I'm still not ready, but my bf wanted it from me. so i left him. JUST DO WHAT'S BEST FOR YOU, IF YOUR FEELING PRESSURE, WHEATHER YOU'RE MALE OR FEMALE talk to someone, it helps
kelly, 18
There are so many under age peolpe that are rushing into sex. What they dont realise is it only takes the once to catch disease, get pregnant or even get a name for them selves. Alot of my friends had under age sex and the boys they slept with just used them.
jess, 17
i think peopl should hold off sex until they are sure they have someone they are comfortble with who is not just using them. the age limit on sex as been given for a reason, to protect those involved. all of the friends i know who had sex at young ages e.g 13 and 14, regret it and say they wish they had waited because it just wasnt worth it. dont rush to grow up, everyone matures at different ages and remember, you've got your whole life to be having sex!!
laurenxxx, 15
i agree with (megan,15) i also think girls are rushing to much as well my cousin is 16 and she is pregnant now shes going to be a mum aged 16 which is very young !!!please think girls before you do it!!!
lauren, 14, 14
i dont thinkist good to have it underage either.. anythink could happen!! and you dont want to risk anythink !
Fay, 14
personally, i think you should only wait til your married before you have sex. This way, you would definetely have it with someone special and you wont get hurt. Also sex is a special thing and should only be done with one person
leanne, 18
Sex should be with someone special, and not rushed or you feel that your being pushed into it. Sex is shared between two people, and that is something special. When your ready your ready arent you?! Mkae sure your treated with the up-most respect :).
nicole , 18
i personally think that you should wait for the special person to come along before you jump into bed with anyone.and if it is that special some1 they will wait till your 16 or whenever your ready
Lauren, 18
Why should the government get to decide what age it is right for you to enter a sexual relationship? Everyone matures at different ages, it is not right for a guy or a girl to get in trouble for having sex with someone who is "legally" underage if that person was consenting, if they were mature enough to know what they are doing.
John, 18
Dont rush into sex, i am 18 years old, and because i do modeling people think i have sex all the time. Infact i have never had sex and want to find the right woman. Even in if your freinds say they have they might not have done and might wanna try and be cool. Remember sex is seriouse wait untill ur 16 and have safe sex when your ready.
elle, 13
too right, if you want to be treated with respect you've got to treat yourself with respect. you should wait for someone special
andy, 17
my advice is that, even if you have turned 16 and are now legal to have any type of sex, do not let anyone push you into it.most people would think that it is the male of the relationship pushing the female. in my case, my ex girlfriend was the one who pushed me into sex when i wasnt ready. it didnt turn out good, asd you can guess.
Megan, 15
I think many people are rushing to have sex too young.there is a reason the law is 16, your body isnt ready for it and you arent emotionally ready until you are at least 16. And if you do have sex, plan it- dont do something on the spare of the moment that you will live to regret. If you are comfortable enough to have sex with someone, then you should be able to talk to them about contraception methods. Dont rush to have sex and regret it.
nicola, 14
I don't think it is a good idea to have underage sex as its not safe as you could get anythin but also you could get a name for urself!
onelife
sex_age_of_consent