What if someone lies about their age when consent is involved?
It is always the responsibility of the older person to make sure the person they’re with is old enough to consent. It is important that someone who wants to harm young people cannot make excuses. But if someone tried to find out the person’s age and the person lied, the legal system is there to […]
Why do age of consent laws exist?
Age of consent laws exist to protect children and teens from being exploited by older individuals. These laws recognize that young people are still developing emotionally, cognitively, and socially, and that age differences can create power imbalances that increase the risk of harm.
What is a Romeo and Juliet law?
A Romeo and Juliet law is designed to prevent young people from being punished for consensual sexual activity with someone close to their own age. The goal of age of consent laws is to protect children from adults, not to criminalize peers who are at similar developmental stages. In Connecticut, this is called a Close-in-Age […]
Will my child get in trouble for sexual activity with someone older?
No. It is always the older person’s responsibility, because they have more power. Since it is their responsibility, they will be the one who gets in trouble. Remember that adults’ brains are much more developed than childrens’, and they have access to money, as well as all that comes with it.
Shouldn’t it be illegal for anyone under 18 to have sex, since that’s when people become adults?
The laws surrounding certain things that are legal for various ages are different. For example, you have to be 18 to vote, or 21 to purchase alcohol. 18 is often considered an “adult” because that is when you can be drafted.
Why would an adult want to have sex with someone who is 16, even if it is legal?
Unfortunately, some adults make choices that are not appropriate and could bring harm to a younger person. Again, just because it is legal does not mean it is okay.
What kinds of things should I encourage my child to report to a trusted adult?
Encourage your child to report anything that feels out of the ordinary, uncomfortable, confusing, pressured, or unsafe, whether it happens in person or online. This includes situations they cannot fully explain, things that feel “off,” or experiences they worry might get them in trouble. Children often struggle to label harm or decide whether something “counts,” […]
Why is sexting illegal for minors even if they can consent to sex?
No, a 16 year old cannot engage in sexting. Though they are the age of consent to engage in sexual behavior, they are not able to consent to the creation of intimate images. The only people who can legally engage in sexting are those over 18 years old.
My child and their friends joke around, but sometimes the jokes seem mean. How should I guide them?
Encourage you child to always keep open communication between them and their friends. Practice recognizing happy and uncomfortable body language and remind them that sometimes someone may feel uncomfortable but not always say so out loud. Encourage them to check in with their friends if they seem uncomfortable or just stop, and speak up if […]
Why is asking someone out considered sexual harassment, when its not sexual?
The wording can be kind of confusing. The reason why this is the case is because it is unwanted behavior that is sex-based. Remember, anything that has to do with sex or gender falls under sexual harassment.