Q: What is the "age of consent"?
A: The age of consent is an age set out in law; and it will be unlawful to engage in sexual activity with a person below this age. In England, young people can legally consent to all sexual activity (including heterosexual and homosexual activity) at the age of 16. Engaging in any sexual activity (from kissing to full penetration) above or below the age of 16 years with another person who is below the age of 16 is a criminal offence regardless of whether the young person has in fact consented to the activity. Anyone who is in a 'position of trust' (i.e. a person who is caring for, training, supervising or being in sole charge of a young person, such as a teacher) and who is aged 18 years or over will commit an offence if he or she engages in any sexual activity with a person below the age of 18.
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