Age of consent

The age of consent is the legal age at which a person is considered to be legally competent to consent to sexual acts. It is typically set at a minimum of 16 years old, although some countries may have different ages depending on the circumstances. In some jurisdictions, the minimum age for marriage is also set at 16, so that those below the age of consent are not allowed to marry. Generally, the age of consent is designed to protect those who are legally unable to give informed consent to sexual activity. It is important to note that the age of consent does not necessarily mean that sexual activity with a person below the age of consent is necessarily illegal. Depending on the jurisdiction, legal exceptions may exist that allow sexual activity between a person below the age of consent and an adult. The age of consent is a legal concept that is used to protect minors from sexual exploitation and abuse.