Problem
Discrimination between countries on the legal age of consent
Other Names:
Relaxation of legal restrictions on under-age sexLegalization of adolescent sex
Active prejudice towards juvenile sexual relations
Nature:
In Western society there is enormous peer pressure, reinforced by films, TV, magazines and advertising, on 13- or 14-year-olds or younger to become sexually active. Children, in the vulnerable age between physical maturity and emotional immaturity, are increasingly confused and disoriented. The concern is that if the law also endorses a downward trend in sexual activity, a culture will be produced where children have no innocence.
Incidence:
In 1990, the Dutch Parliament approved legislation which reduced the age of consenting adolescents to legally have sex with one another to 12 years old. This is the lowest of all European countries. Twelve European countries have an age of consent which is 14 or lower for both heterosexual and homosexual relationships.
Broader Problems:
Excessive legalization Related Problems:
Premature pubertyImmoral public policyDenial of sexual freedomSexual offences by juvenilesIncreasing adolescent sexual activity Aggravates:
Juvenile prostitutionSexual immaturity of adultsHealth risks of teenage sexExtension of the family life-cycleDiscrimination against LGBT people Reduces:
Sexual intercourse with minorsArtificially prolonged childhoodCriminalization of sexual relations out of wedlock Strategies:
Providing reproductive health counselling for adolescentsPromoting adolescent reproductive health awarenessRestricting under-age sexDiscriminating on the legal age of consentCampaigning to reduce the age of consent Subject(s):
Law → AgreementsLaw → Legality
Recreation → Recreation
Societal Problems → Restrictions
Society → Adolescents
Society → Sex-related questions
Society → Youth
Related UN Sustainable Development Goals:
Problem Type:
F: Fuzzy exceptional problems Date of last update
04.10.2020 – 22:48 CEST