posted
I just read something about cybering, and was wondering if you could define it for me. To what point is cybering still legal? I mean does age matter? Obviously I wouldn't cyber with some 50 y/o, but how old is too old or does it even matter online? In one of your articles, you guys said that depending on the age, the guy or gal could get into big trouble. What is the law on this sort of thing? Thanks.
Posts: 42 | From: USA | Registered: Jun 2000
| IP: Logged |
posted
Age does matter, and age of consent laws, in many areas (internet law is very new, and still forming itself), do still apply.
Posts: 63416 | From: An island near Seattle | Registered: May 2000
| IP: Logged |
posted
Those laws differ from country to country, and from state to state. A good chart that is updated farily frequently many international and United States ages and laws is at: http://www.ageofconsent.com/
For instance, in Argentina, it is legal for a twelve-year-old boy to have sex with anyone of any age, but for women, not until they're 16. In most states in the U.S., the age of consent is generally between 16 and 18 for both sexes.
What that means is that if you are under the age of consent, and your partner is over it ( yes, even by a day, and yes, that is riduiculous) sexual "conduct" is not legal. If that person is a legal adult (usually over 18) they can be prosecuted for statutory rape, sexual assault, criminal sexual assault, or indecent solicitation. Some of those crimes, in some situations, are felonies.
Insofar as to what "sexual conduct" means, again, that is usually state to state, but in general, we're talking about manual (with hands) sex, oral sex, sexual intercourse, anal sex, and "solicitation." Solicitation generally means an invitation to a minor to participate in ANY sort of sexual act.
In Illinois, for instance, "sexual conduct" means any "intentional or knowing touching or fondling by the victim or the accused, either directly or through clothing, of the sex organs, anus or breast of the victim or the accused, or ANY part of the body of a child under 13 years of age, for the purpose of sexual gratification or arousal of the victim or the accused. "
Posts: 63416 | From: An island near Seattle | Registered: May 2000
| IP: Logged |
posted
But bear in mind that a lot of the time, you can't be sure how old the person is...
Posts: 752 | From: Canada | Registered: Jun 2000
| IP: Logged |
posted
I talked to me friend on the phone before starting cybering, i mean the voice can also be decieving but i completly trust her, (also knew her for about a month online/phone before anything 'happened')
*Lost_Boy*
Posts: 6 | From: Sun City | Registered: Jun 2000
| IP: Logged |
posted
i've cybered before. i'm 14 and i've cybered. and someone said something about cybering with a 12 year old. My friend has had sexual feelings since she was 11. they get horny sometimes too. i 'm not saying a 16 year old should cyber w/ a 12 year old, but they do have feelings like that too. i sometimes question cybering cuz it is just sort of wierd to have feelings like this and it can be confusing. but now i'm convinced that its normal and its healhty and smart. And think of it like this: if you and ur lover-person r breaking the laws of consent or whatever the name for that law is, that person could land in jail and then you'll never be able to pleasure them!
wear*a*smile PUT A SMILE ON YOUR FACE, TO MAKE THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE!!
Posts: 139 | From: San Ramon, California, USA | Registered: Jun 2000
| IP: Logged |
Copyright 1998, 2013 Heather Corinna/Scarleteen
Scarleteen.com: Providing comprehensive sex education online to teens and young adults worldwide since 1998
Information on this site is provided for educational purposes. It is not meant to and cannot substitute for advice or care provided by an in-person medical professional. The information contained herein is not meant to be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease, or for prescribing any medication. You should always consult your own healthcare provider if you have a health problem or medical condition.