Thread: Its starting
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Old 12-01-2016, 06:57 AM
  # 4 (permalink)  
LexieCat
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Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: South Jersey
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Yeesh, went through that sort of thing with my older son.

The "good news" is that sex between a consenting 16 y/o and an 18 y/o is PROBABLY not a criminal offense. You'd have to check the law where you live, but generally speaking, in most jurisdictions a 16 y/o is considered competent to consent to sexual activity, as long as the other party isn't a teacher, coach, or someone else with supervisory authority. Even with younger teens, there is often an exception where there is not a significant age gap (usually four years or so).

So yeah, kiddo needs to watch it, because mistake as to age isn't usually a defense (even if it's reasonable). The underage drinking (if others were served) is more likely to pose a legal problem.

ETA, I missed the stuff about the drugs. That's a huge worry, too. Lots of kids DO experiment (and that's all it is) but it's always a worry, especially when there's addiction in the family.

Hugs, it is SO tough to parent at that age.
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