The Age of Consent

The age of consent refers to the minimum age at which an individual is considered legally capable of consenting to sexual activity. This age varies by country or region and reflects legal protections for minors. If one person engages in sexual activity with someone below this age, it may be classified as statutory rape or a similar offense, regardless of whether the younger person agrees. The purpose of these laws is to safeguard young people from exploitation and abuse, recognizing that individuals below a certain age may not yet have the maturity to make informed decisions about sexual relationships.