If somebody was to have sex under 16, what would happen?

Sex & the Law Simplify

In most cases, nothing would happen. Sex under 16 is technically against the law because the in the UK is 16. But in practice, the police and courts aren't trying to prosecute teenagers who are close in age and both . The law exists to protect young people from exploitation and abuse, not to criminalise two 15-year-olds in a relationship. Prosecutions between teenagers of a similar age are very rare.

That said, there are situations where it would be taken more seriously. If there's a big age gap, if one person is being pressured, or if one person is in a position of power over the other, the law is much more likely to get involved. If either person is under 13, the law treats it very differently. Under 13, a person is considered legally unable to give consent, and it will always be investigated.

If you're under 16 and sexually active, you can still access , testing, and advice from a or your GP. It's confidential.

In most cases, nothing would happen. Sex under 16 is against the law because the is 16. But the police are not trying to punish two teenagers who are close in age and both agree to it.

The law is there to protect young people from being taken advantage of, not to get teenagers in trouble.

It would be taken more seriously if there is a big age gap, if one person is being pressured, or if either person is under 13. Under 13, the law says a person cannot , and it will always be investigated.

If you are under 16 and sexually active, you can still get and testing. It is private.