In Northern Ireland, the legal age of consent is 16 years old. Although there’s a legal age of consent, it’s not necessarily the right age for you to begin having sex.
Here are some important things you should think about if you are thinking about having sex:
- Only you can decide if you are ready to have sex.
- Only you can give your consent to have sex.
- You don’t have to have sex with everyone you go out with.
- If you have had sex, it doesn’t mean you have to again if you don’t want to.
- Getting close to someone doesn’t have to mean having sex. Kissing, cuddling, and touching can all be just as good but only if you are ready and comfortable with it.
- You need to be able to talk about your feelings about sex and about the risks involved.
- You have the right to say no and make your own choices.
- Is having sex now something you may regret later?
- Consider the risks before you have sex. For example, unplanned pregnancy and STIs.
- Alcohol and other drugs can affect the choices you make.
The best way to protect yourself is not to have sex. But if you choose to have sex, remember to use a condom – this will help to protect you from an unplanned pregnancy and STIs.