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Originally Posted by Niamh.
I do happen to agree that our society have it right about which ages are considered children.
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Really though? I don't think everything about our idea of childhood is right...
For example, you can join the army at 16, but can't play violent video games until you're 18. You can have sex at 16, but not watch porn until you're 18. You can get married (with your parents consent) at 16, but you can't have a drink to celebrate it until you're 18...not everything's perfect, some of the laws designed to supposedly 'protect' children pretty much contradict each other, it's quite stupid.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Niamh.
The point I'm making is, parents are legally and morally responsible for the welfare of their children till they're 16/18 which makes it (imo and in how I personally practise my parental duties) our business because in most cases, we'll be the ones left picking up the pieces if it all goes pear shaped.
Again, I do want to stress, I really don't mean to sound patronising when I say I think it's hard for you to be objective about it when you are still a teenager but it is true that peoples opinions on this do change drastically in later years and when they look back.
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But the point is - when it comes to medical advice and help, it should all be confidential. So long as you are of an age where you are able to comprehend what you are being told, then I don't see why anyone else should be able to pry into your personal business unless you wish them to. For example, six year olds wouldn't be able to understand things that their GP was telling them, and so they would need their parent or guardian present, but at age 13 I think most people are capable of understanding and seeking medical advice or help. You might not think they're ready for sex, or work, but I'm sure most have the ability to understand things that they're being told.
Don't forget, it can be quite embarrassing for some young people to discuss such personal issues with their parents. And so that is why all information shared with those who give them advice is strictly confidential - so that they feel safe and are able to open up more, they wouldn't do that if they thought their parents may find out...and that could have some very dangerous consequences. Surely that's better than children suppressing their feelings and concerns about their health?
Whilst you or others may not like it, or want it to happen, the fact of the matter is underage sex happens. And realistically it can't be prevented. If they want to do it, the chances are they're going to...at such young ages when their hormones are all over the place it's not as simple as just restraining from doing it. It might be for some, but not all. And it does happen...whether or not that's a good thing is of course a completely separate debate. It's about dealing with the issues at hand though; surely, if it happens (as it does), then it's better for those people to able to get help and advice, rather than be ignorant to it all and potentially cause them or others some serious harm?
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Originally Posted by kizzy
I also feel jack you are on very shaky ground, as you say the age of consent in other countries may be lower this does not make it right and can lead to the exploitation of children. Laws are in place to protect children from themselves as well as others, if children had free reign to do as they wished you my find 15yr olds getting boob jobs...or 11yr olds getting tattoos...
I do mot feel that whilst yes they at 13 have all the bits in the right place and in full working order, they are not mature enough to deal with the responsibility that comes with it.
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Of course it can, I'm not denying that, but there is of course the argument that children are overly protected in some instances in this country. For example...if a student falsely accuses a teacher of sexually assaulting them, the teacher is suspended with immediate effect, and when it's found out that the student was lying...the teacher's reinstated (with their reputation tarnished of course) and the student will most likely be given a warning...or at best excluded. How is that fair?
Underage people get tattoos now anyway, it's not a rare thing. And I'm not completely against that either...as for the boob jobs...well...again, that's another debate and my opinions on that would properly start this entire argument off again.
You are of course assuming that all children need overly protecting, and whilst they do, some things are taken too far. Every child is different, they're individuals...not a collective. There are varying degrees of maturity and intelligence, and so that's why it's difficult when it comes to setting rules, laws and boundaries to 'protect' children.