[\PJ/]

When do you think is the right age to have sex?

[Niamh.]

I suppose it differs from person to person but I would say 16 is too young maybe 18 or 19

[Crimson Dynamo]

21

Sexual intercourse has many serious repercussions and should be treated as serious.

[Tom]

Upon reflection about 18

I started waaaaaay too early

[Stu]

Depends entirely on the person. Plenty of people in their 20's are having children faster than they can handle. What's the average age of a couple on Jeremy Kyle?

Meanwhile plenty of 16 and 17 year olds have sex every weekend without any serious concequences. Good for them.

Works both ways, but that's sort of the point. No right answer to this question.

[Dr.Gonzo]

It'll depend. Whenever said person is emotionally stable enough to handle it.

[Ramsay]

16

[Niamh.]

Originally Posted by Dr.Gonzo

It'll depend. Whenever said person is emotionally stable enough to handle it.

But I'm sure if you asked a group of 13 year olds they would think that they were emotionally stable enough to have sex but they're not really

[Beastie]

The right age is when.. well you are AT LEAST the age of consent.. eventhough 16 is quite a vulnerable age for most. If two people have been going out for at least a while and trust and love each other and want to do it then do it! but use protection!

However maybe more kissing, cuddling, foreplay and a bit of fun before going all the way should be encouraged before wanting full on sex!

[Crimson Dynamo]

Unfortunately whilst it is all well and good to say "depends on the individual" etc in politics, and this is where questions like this end up, you have to make a ruling and stick with it.

I would suggest that the current rate of teenage pregnancy/abortion/single parenthood indicates that what we have now is not working - and neither is the "lets give them lots of information and contraceptives"

all sounds great but in practice its bollocks

indeed the above statement could be the Labour party slogan for the election

[Princess]

It depends on the person. Age of consent in Ireland is 17 which seems about right. But it all depends.

[Twilight]

16 but use protection, no matter what age you are:P

[Crimson Dynamo]

The middle ages seemed a good time to me, what with all them voluptuous wenches and the like.

[Dr.Gonzo]

Originally Posted by Niamhxo

But I'm sure if you asked a group of 13 year olds they would think that they were emotionally stable enough to have sex but they're not really

I know, that's the problem. That's ideally when a person should begin to have a sex life, but in reality it isn't going to happen... just like all of the other suggestions

[Niamh.]

Originally Posted by Dr.Gonzo

I know, that's the problem. That's ideally when a person should begin to have a sex life, but in reality it isn't going to happen... just like all of the other suggestions

yeah, there's feck all people can do really to stop people having sex, you just have to hope that your own kids won't do it too young!

[MrGaryy]

well it depends on the person but I'd say on average 17 is a good age.

[ILoveTRW]

depends on the person

[Jack_]

When they're ready. What needs improving is sex education. I think oral sex should be encouraged from a couple of years before a person reaches the age of consent, but this of course would probably just lead to them having sex anyway. Either way, teenagers have and will continue to have sex before the age of consent. Not only are they curious, but for some people, because there's a law, it makes them want to do it earlier. Not to mention the fact that some just don't give a ****, and sure, if they are protected, feel ready and have basic knowledge of precautions they should take, then who cares?

As I said though, sex ed is what needs to be improved.

[Enid]

Whenever they feel ready and are responsible enough to use contraception.

[Dr.Gonzo]

The boobs on your avatar are making me feel ready.

[rapunza1977]

45

[Enid]

Originally Posted by Dr.Gonzo

The boobs on your avatar are making me feel ready.

[Shasown]

When they are old enough to provide for and take full responsibility for the outcome of their actions. That is support any children they may bring into the world financially and emotionally as parents.

If you cant do the time dont do the crime!

[Chels]

i'd say about 16/17 is about right, although i can't say nout as i was slightly younger.
jack has a very good point ^

[Smithy]

Whenever the person is ready, there shouldnt be a specific age (but obv above 16 or somat)