Poll: Should we lower the age of consent to 16?

well, where I am (Scotland), it already is 16. On the other hand, I don't think that 18 is a bad call..it's less about whether or not your body's matured enough, and more about the ability to cope with the emotional upheaval of starting a sexual relationship - I know some people well into their twenties and thirties that still really aren't mature enough, and vice versa, so there will always be a debate over what age is most appropriate..

On the upside, having the age set at 18 where you are lets young people finish off the main bulk of their eduacation without having to deal with sexual issues (to the same extent, anyway), which can't be too bad. Nobody wants to be pregnant in high school, or dealing with an STD during their exams.

You have your whole life to enjoy sex - you really only get one chance at getting the most out of school..

H**L NO!! I thought Romeo and Juliet was a make believe play? And back in the days when people married in there early teens, well there life expectancy was 30-40 years old. They were more mature physically and mentally as they had to work harder then we usually ever experience

No. I agree with the first answer on here! Even if some maturity comes from experiences, lowering the age of consent is not the answer. Besides, there are more and more things teens can do w/o being "early adults", so that when it's time to leave the nest, hopefully they can and do well?

That's a good point. But when Romeo and Juliet were alive they didn't think a lot about alcohol and sex. More romance than trying to get FREAKY in the bed...you know? What I think they should lower the age for is in Canada for driving..WTH IS UP WITH THAT?? Now you have to be 18 to get your drivers license. That sucks!!

The age of concent IS 16. Here at least. You ignorant people should realise that the internet is not america (or wherever you are from). The age of consent in Ireland Is 16 so that is fine with me.

Go to Mexico. The age of consent there is 12!

actually juliet was 13/14 and romeo was 30 something i think but no

the age of consent in Ohio is 16

Girls 15-17 should fall under the 3-year rule, that is, they can have sex with anyone not more than 3 years older than they are.

Guys should be able to have sex starting at 14, with anyone they choose.

in Spain it's 14