What the law says about underage sex
The age of consent in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland is 16. Sexual activity with anyone below this age is a criminal offence, regardless of whether both people are under the age of consent.
Sexual activity is defined broadly under UK law. It includes penetrative sex, oral sex, and sexual touching or masturbation. The law applies equally to heterosexual and homosexual activity.
The law also makes specific provisions for positions of trust. Adults who work with young people, such as teachers, coaches or care workers, commit an offence if they engage in sexual activity with anyone under 18 in their care. This applies even though 16 and 17 year olds are above the general age of consent.
Prosecutors and police consider the circumstances carefully before deciding whether to take action. Two 15 year olds in a relationship will usually be treated very differently from an adult who targets a child. But the activity remains illegal, and law enforcement takes all cases seriously.
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The Crown Prosecution Service has guidance on approaching cases involving young people. Factors that influence a decision include the ages of those involved, whether there was any coercion or manipulation, and the nature of the relationship.
Where both parties are of similar age and the activity was genuinely consensual, a prosecution may not be considered in the public interest. This does not make the activity legal, and formal criminal proceedings can still follow.
Where there is a significant age gap, or where any form of pressure or exploitation is involved, the situation is treated far more seriously. Sentences for sexual offences against children can include lengthy prison terms and placement on the sex offenders register.
Parents should understand that even if no prosecution takes place, a referral to social services or other agencies may still occur if professionals become aware of underage sexual activity.
Your situation may be slightly different. ask a question below ↓ and our editorial team will reply with our advice.
Talking to your children
This is difficult territory for most families. Some parents feel that frank conversation helps keep children safer. Others prefer to emphasise that sexual activity should wait until the legal age or later. This article does not advocate for any particular approach.
What most professionals agree on is that children benefit from understanding the law and the potential consequences. They should know that sexual images of under 18s are illegal to take, share or possess, even if they created the images themselves. This is covered by laws on indecent images of children.
The concept of Gillick competence is also relevant here. This legal principle recognises that some young people under 16 may be mature enough to consent to medical treatment, including contraception, without parental involvement. It does not change the age of consent for sexual activity, but it does affect how health professionals can advise young people.
Organisations such as the NSPCC and Childline offer resources for parents and young people on these topics. Schools also cover relationships and sex education as part of the curriculum, though the depth and approach varies.
Where to find further information
For legal detail on sexual offences and the age of consent, GOV.UK and the Crown Prosecution Service website provide official guidance. The Sexual Offences Act 2003 sets out the framework for England and Wales, with separate but similar legislation in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Readers should verify current details as legislation can change.
If you are concerned about a child's safety or believe a child may be at risk of exploitation, you can contact:
- The NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000
- Childline on 0800 1111 for children and young people
- Your local police or social services
These conversations are rarely easy. Knowing the legal framework can help, but talking about sex with your children will probably still feel awkward. That is normal.
I understand you will be allowing biological men to watch over young girls changing in changing rooms. That your revised policies now allow this where they did not before. I will no longer fund you in any way. You will be contributing to the very cause you claim to save.
I request that you revoke your new policy and change it back, in order to safe guard children. We will be watching you very, very closely. It is appalling that you have made this very, very dangerous change. You only need to review the statistics of mens abuse to women and children, which you clearly understand. A man is biological and You must comply with the law! You are flouting the law, in order to appease a few biological men, putting children at risk.
Mrs C Tan South West Uk
Anyways, I just wanted to share my expirence with this. I knew then, and I know now that it was very wrong, and shouldn't have asked her, or even been dating her.
(Don't think i'm a boy. I am bi girl lean and a girl) She is now 25, and I'm 21. She also knows that I lied to her, but after a while she understood why
- Childline
- Time to Change has a list of call lines if anyone wants someone to speak to
- NHS a list of mental health support charities to talk to/ email/ text
- NHS has information regards to abuse also
Sending care x
What is going to happen now?
Inappropriately touched her two weeks ago. My son says it was consensual... They were just fooling around. He brother was in the room. What is going to,happen?
I've just been in her bedroom and found used condoms. If I tell her she can't take him upstairs anymore they will probably go & do it elsewhere. I'm proud that she's grown up & responsible enough to use condoms , but they are still breaking the law arentry they?
This is happening to my son at the moment and he is always upset because he can't see her
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