Sex and the law
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Knowing what the law says about sex and young people will help you to understand your rights, and the rights of other young people.
There are lots of different laws in the UK that are there to protect young people.
Below are the answers to common questions young people have about the law in relation to sex and sexual activity.
Sexual activity includes:
- Kissing
- Sharing sexual messages
- Sending nude or semi-nude images or videos
- Sexual touching
- Oral sex
- Vaginal or anal sex
Sexual abuse is when someone is pressured, forced or manipulated into any form of sexual activity by someone else.
It is illegal for anyone to sexually abuse another person – online or offline.
If you have been pressured into any sexual activity you should call 101 and report this to the police. Under 18s can report online sexual abuse to CEOP.
In an emergency, call the police on 999.
Sexual offences under UK law
There are different types of sexual offences under UK law:
Rape: The legal definition of rape is when ...
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