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Age of Consent

In England and Wales, the law on Sexual Offences has been updated. Under this law, the legal age for young people to consent to have sex is still 16, whether you are straight, gay or bisexual.

The aim of the law is to protect the safety and rights of young people and make it easier to prosecute people who pressure or force others into having sex they don't want. Forcing someone to have sex is a crime.

Although the age of consent remains at 16, it is not intended that the law should be used to prosecute mutually agreed teenage sexual activity between two young people of a similar age, unless it involves abuse or exploitation.

Under the Sexual Offences Act you still have the right to confidential advice on contraception, condoms, pregnancy and abortion, even if you are under 16.

But remember, whatever your age, you shouldn't have sex until you feel ready.