Most of us know that the legal age for consent is 16. But lets get

real- a lot of people are choosing to have sex much younger than that. What are your thoughts on this- is it

wrong, is it a bad idea or is it a decision you can make for yourself?

So much we still don't know at 16. But some mature a lot earlier than others. If someone's determined to have sex, then the best thing they can do is read as much info as they can about what to expect, what to protect themselves from. Be even better if they could phone one of the phone counselling services available out there to have a chat about it and asks any questions. You can phone a Youthline phone counsellor on 0800 37 66 33 anytime.

My views on this are really just a result of my culture and how I grew up, but I really think that anything younger than 16 is just too young. I remember back when I was 15, i thought I was the man, knew everything all good etc. If I could go back in time, theres a lot id be teaching my 15 yo self.

Sex has the ability to make everything very complicated when things go wrong, and at anything before 16, I dun really think that people (in general) have the ability to really see the bigger picture (their future etc).

I think another problem is that just coz "a" under 16 yo feels ready, doesn't mean the person their with feels the same.. I reckon ppl should wait till at least 16.

Hi Shiv,

I like reading your post, especially about going back and teaching your 15yo self. It reminds me of that saying "If I knew then what I know now". I also like how you acknowledge that your culture and the way you grew up shapes your beliefs today.

I think what you wrote about sex complicating a relationship even more when things go wrong, is very powerful, and I am wondering if there is regret for you around this?

It might seem hard to know if both people are really ready. I think being able to talk openly about it, either together or with someone trusted for support, would be really helpful.

Well its not so much regret as I guess embarrassment of how I was back then. I had a gf back when I was 15 and while we were physical there was no trace of real relationship there. We met again like 4 years later and kinda laughed about it but I guess I wish I'd have just waited for a real relationship before jumping into things. Kinda spoilt a life experience.

i think for a lot of ppl its the pressure/anticipation of it all- and wanting to just get it over and done with so that they can say that they have done it and no longer have to wonder about what its all about!