In framing this legislation, the Government has had a difficult path to tread, seeking to protect children and young people from abuse without criminalising normal sexual development.
This process prompted anxiety, with fears from children's organisations that the law might prevent young people using sexual health services, or even inadvertently outlaw teenagers' kissing.
The law as it stands has allayed many of those anxieties. Young people under 16 will not be prosecuted for sexual activity if it is mutually agreed and non-coercive. Equally, the new Act does not prevent those working with young people from providing confidential sexual health advice to under-16s, including those under 13. This applies to professionals such as teachers and Connexions personal advisors as well as to health workers.
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