At 16 and 17, young people are still children and minors—emotionally, mentally, physically, and legally vulnerable. Although many countries, including Australia, set the age of consent at 16, these teenagers are not recognized as adults in most aspects of the law. Minors at this age cannot legally consent to many important decisions such as signing contracts, voting, or drinking alcohol. This inconsistency highlights that they are still children who deserve protection, not exposure to adult responsibilities or risks.
Consider Emily's story. At 16, she entered a relationship with an older adult who initially seemed caring but soon became manipulative and controlling. Because the law allowed such relationships, Emily had limited legal protections and felt trapped in a harmful situation that caused lasting emotional trauma. Unfortunately, many children like Emily face similar dangers when the law does not adequately protect them.
Scientific research shows the brain, especially the prefrontal cortex that controls judgment and impulse control, continues developing into the early to mid-20s. According to the Australian Institute of Family Studies, minors under 18 are far more vulnerable to coercion and exploitation than adults.
Globally, the World Health Organization reports nearly 15 million girls aged 15 to 19 are forced into sexual activity each year, often with much older partners, demonstrating the urgent need to protect children from exploitation.
Raising the age of consent to 18 would better reflect that 16- and 17-year-olds are still children and minors, deserving the same legal protections given by laws that recognize their limited capacity to consent. It would also align with other legal milestones like voting and signing contracts, which recognize 18 as the start of adulthood.
Moreover, because brain development continues beyond 18, experts argue that the age of consent—and legal adulthood—should be reconsidered, potentially raised to 19, 20, or even 21 to better match maturity levels.
Fair Romeo and Juliet laws should accompany this change to protect consensual, close-in-age relationships among children while shielding them from exploitation by much older adults.
Our children deserve laws that respect their developmental stage, protect their safety, and allow them to grow into adulthood without undue harm. It's time for Australia and the world to raise the age of consent to 18—or older—to truly protect our children and honor their right to a safe and healthy childhood.
