The Big Thursday Debate.

[NoMercy]

The age of consent.

Currently it's, what, 16? Is that too young?

Would you be happy for your son or daughter to engage in sexual activity at that age?

Or do you think 16 is old enough to make up their own mind?

[mazie]

I don't think there minds enter into it all Nom. Yes, I think 16 is old enough, most of them know more than I do by the time they reach 13 these days!

[mccfluffy]

if you have to pick an age 16 is fine, kids will do whatver they want regardless anyway!

[craft1948]

I think you're nearer 26 when knowing your own mind, but as most (not all) the little darlings seem to be at it from about 15 I don't think knowing what you're really doing comes into it.

[paddywak]

the age of conent has been 16 as long as I can remember and it's never stopped kids from having sex, it's just that people didn't talk about it as much as they do now

[NoMercy]

Yes, they're well up on the theory side of things, but are they emotionally mature enough do deal with intimate relationships at that age?

[redman41]

I'm still a virgin and I'm waiting for a certain someone to teach me the joys which lie ahead

[mccfluffy]

some are, some aren't

[China Doll]

It's taking me 31 years to know my own mind and I'm still learning. I personally think it should be 18 but I don't see the difference it would make as they will do what they will do, underage sex isn't a new thing, it's been going on years, I guess we're just more aware of it now. I think having an age limit is obviously useful in terms of the law and teenagers being taken advantage of without really realising it.

[craft1948]

^ don't sheep count?

[paddywak]

Yeah red, and i've just seen a pig fly across the estate

[cazzz1975]

I agree with headwreck

[NoMercy]

I agree with you, headwreck. It's all very well saying that they will get up to naughties anyway, but we don't have to legally endorse it.

[craft1948]

I was with the first husband from the age of 16 (perhaps that's not a great example)

[NoMercy]

Indeed, HW. With the modern proliferation of rising STD and pregnancy rates, what can be done to curb this?

Children are having children these days. :-(

[paddywak]

sadly NoM is right.about a mile from us there is a corner shop on an estate known locally as the "Gyro City" where the boss sometimes helps out, and there are girls going in who don't look old enough to be out by themselves with one kid in a pushchair and another on the way

[redcrx]

i think there will always be children that feel they are ready before the age the law dictates.
lower it and youre in danger of kids who think they know it all trying it out at much younger ages.

at 16 most should be sensible to know the risks that they are taking.

no, i may not be happy for my child to be having sex at 16 but you cant stop them can you?