Need for ‘stronger law’ on teen sex

THE growing number of teenagers having sex highlights the need for stronger legislation around the age of consent, according to the national organisation for rape victims.

The Irish Study of Sexual Health and Relationships revealed almost a third of men under the age of 25 and one fifth of women in the same bracket had sex before they reached 17.

Among women who lost their virginity at 16, 59% said they regretted what happened. They were also the most likely group to say they were not willing partners and had not consented.