When is the right age for youngsters to become sexually active?

[noddy]

i started at 15 and that seemed fine to me, still does

[-:Undertaker:-]

Don't think there's anything wrong with the current age as long as there's proper education about STDs, consequences of being pregnant as a teenager and so on.

We've had lots of 'proper education' and it continues to get worse.

Now what?

[noddy]

We've had lots of 'proper education' and it continues to get worse.

Now what?

The best education is doing it yourself.

[MKR&*42]

We've had lots of 'proper education' and it continues to get worse.

Now what?

I thought someone might say that. Can you think of any reason as to why the problem continues? I think the only reason it does continue is because teens don't really frown upon each other if they lose their virginity at an early, not to mention how much more freedom they have

Your point about everything at one age is very interesting though. To add to your example about 16 year old not being able to drink, but can have sex - same problem arises with porn. Not meant to watch it until you're 18 but you can happily replicate it with someone at 16 - now that has always bewildered me.

[Inseriousity.]

It's all culturally based anyway. Wasn't Mary in the Bible likely to be really young, a teenage pregnancy by today's standards but perfectly normal then. I would say whenever you're mature enough and maturity isn't really defined by age but it's a good indicator. You can have immature 40 year olds who should probably never have kids or really mature 16 year olds who should probably enjoy their youth while they've got it but don't. The slippery slope involved in having a system based on maturity though can lead to some terrifying ideas!

[FlyingJesus]

Fairly certain that in America the "Bible Belt" (which doesn't like teaching any sex ed other than DON'T DO IT EVER OR HELL!!!!) has the highest rates of teen pregnancies and abortions, so obviously putting your fingers in your ears and pretending that something doesn't exist is not the best way to teach people

To answer the original question, it's obviously different from person to person. I've known people who didn't feel ready until their late teens and I've known some who were fine with it as soon as they hit high school - we aren't all the same

[Daltron]

16 is the age of consent here in Au too, I think it's about right.

[Aaron]

Well, I suppose when two people are ready. Although that doesn't seem to be the case here, you've got 14 year old girls riding a bloke every week.. riddled fishes! (h)

Think the age over in Ireland is 17, but suppose not everyone does everything by the books.

Suppose when you've knowledge of sex, the diseases that can come with it, pregnancy and you feel ready.

[e5]

I don't think the law will stop 2 young people having sex if they want to have it to be honest lol. 16 is fine imo

[Rocco_Veneruso]

I'd personally say 15/16 as long as contraception is used