What do YOU think the appropriate age to have sex?

Question

I know the law is 16, but what do you think should be the minimum age?

Answer 1

I know very few 16 year olds that are mature enough to be able to handle having the responsibilities that come with having sex. That includes knowing how to deal with a relationship as well as how to deal with a possible pregnancy, possible parenthood, and possible sexually transmitted disease. Tough to say what the minimum age should be, since I know plenty of 20 year olds that are unable to handle these responsibilities either. 18 wouldn't be bad, since it would be tough to tell someone they are old enough to vote, but not old enough to have sex...

Answer 2

The reason that many people are saying after they are married is because you are less likely to have things in the past that you regret. I got pregnant at 17 and really wish that I had waited. Having a baby so young really made my life more difficult, and I would have loved to have been pure and untouched for my husband. This is not just a religious issue! I have never heard anyone as an adult say, "You know, there was this one guy that I dated when I was [insert age, 15, 16, etc] and I really wish that I had given it up to him. It is one of the biggest regrets of my life." But you often hear people as adults voice regrets that they did sleep with boyfriends or girlfriends in their past. Oh, and by the way the appropriate age if one foolishly decides to have sex before marriage isn't a set number for everyone. People mature at different rates, and not everyone will be responsible enough to handle the responsibility of protecting themselves at 16. I would venture to say that few do.

Answer 3

Personally I think 16 is too young, I know many, many people will disagree with me but I think that at 16 you are not mentally mature enough to deal with sex responsibly.
Although, saying that, some people are ready at 16, so maybe the law is at the right level.

To be honest, as long as you don't do it with just anyone, and keep it for someone special, it shows that you are mature, and not just desperate and irresponsible.

As long as a person waits until they are ready, mentally and physically, and isn't pressured by anyone, that is the right time. Some people are always like, 'why make such a big deal, it's only sex'...the big deal is that having it when your not ready to deal with any consequences it brings (e.g unplanned pregnancy, STD's, and possible heartbreak if you get used) can mess up your life.

Answer 4

I think that now sex is no longer an activity which is used purely to create new life, it can be enjoyed at almost any age where the consenting partners feel ready. be this 14 or 40.

I don't believe that changing the age of consent to a higher age is going to deter teenagers from having sex at a younger age, and I doubt personally that it'll make much of a dent in the rate of teenage parenthood. What will make a difference would be better sex education, less cultural taboos on the buying of condoms and the obtaining of birth control, and stopping treating it as it's a terrible thing.

i know we're lucky in the UK to have access to free contraceptives, free advice, and free support should people need it. However, if a person is made to feel embarressed ot ashamed of seeking out such resources, they're not likely to utilise them fully.


The only reason we truly need an age of consent is to have a clear cut line to draw in cases of abuse from an older person to one much younger. In my eyes anyway. So For that reason alone I'd say 14 would be an age at which to draw the line.

My good gosh, how I've rambled, my apologies.

Answer 5

When you learn to respect yourself and understand what your own limitations and needs are, and what it is you're hoping to get out of sex. And I'm sorry, this is never going to be when you're a young teenager. What looks like love from another person at 15 or 16 you'll find, when you reflect on it when you are older, was really just pressure to have sex mixed with flattery. If you're doing it to please someone else, or because you want to hold onto the relationship, or because you want to feel like an adult, or because you don't know how to say "no," you're not contemplating having sex for the right reasons. In general, if you have to ask the question on Yahoo Answers, you're probably not ready.

Answer 6

When the people involved feel ready. Only a hundred years ago it was perfecly normal and acceptale for 11 and 12 year olds to have sex. I'm not saying we should encourage it, but if a the body is physically able, and the mind is mentally able for it, then the law shouldn't be interfering. I think this is paticularly important when you think about couples in their early teens, who are both willing participants, but are then labelled as deviants, sex offenders etc.

I bet this pi**es off some people, but look at the other side of the coin. In some countries, girls are taught how to worship and care for their own bodies and that of their sexual partners, and sex is a highly spiritual experience. How can you put an age limit on that?

Answer 7

When you are able to take care of any children that may result. Otherwise, should you need an abortion, it is usually a decision most women regret the rest of their lives. They wonder about the child that never was. Its not something you forget. Sex can give pleasure, but more importantly is the way life is created.

A spouse with a full time job so one of you is caring for the baby, or can afford to pay someone to do it for you so you can go to school or work.

Since sex is, ahem, somewhat addicting, if it interferes with your education or the ability to make good decisions, then which one is the problem ?

When I was in the Peace Corps many years ago, there was a 90% dropout rate among high school girls. They all had babies to take care of.

If a young man really loves you, he would not pressure you to have sex. The pressure comes from efforts to impress his friends, because he will tell them if you do or don't. Someone who loves would recognize it as a private matter of ultimate affection between the two of you, not a substitute for video games, sports or other ways to pass time.

Answer 8

21

Answer 9

Starla_C in England, most places in europe and some states in America the law IS 16 thank you. I think 16 is good but as long as you are in a stable relationship and you know you are going to marry that person.

Answer 10

I had sex around that age because I thought I was mature enough and it was a fun thing to do. However, I regretted it once I got married and really wish I would have waited. Nowadays diseases are much more common and many more kids having sex at a young age so I'd say when you're married.

Answer 11

I think it depedns on the person. some people at age 16 may be more ready that someone at 18. it all depends on the person and the maturity

People keep saying when you're married but a lot of people are not religious, and i bet most of them had sex before they were married. i believe you should establish a good relationship before but who am i to jude You can join the military at 17 and risk ur life why not have sex

ANd to those whot hink 16 eyar olds an't handle a relationship. i was 16 when i started to date my fiance i am now 20 years old and just had a baby with him and wee have a hosue together and everything