This is about to be a lengthy post. First, let me state, on public record, that I DO NOT support adults that prey on children, nor have I ever personally engaged in a sexual relationship with a minor (and will never do so).
I'm in agreement with the people that say adults and TEENAGE minors consenting to sexual relationships is a SOCIAL issue that needs to be seriously addressed and clarified because, as evidenced in this thread, it is way out of control.
As for my liberal(used loosely) stance on this issue, which is sure to get me blocked.... I don't see much of a difference between people (teen minors included) drugs and alcohol, which is wrong & will harm them, but they still do it anyways. My question has always been.... How far do you want to go to legislate against someone's stupidity? For me, that's what it has come down to..... If someone is going to willingly do something that will harm or hurt them in any capacity, then be my guest.... it isn't like they haven't been warned. In this particular case, the parents of this little girl have failed her.... or maybe they did try and the girl decided to rebel. In any case, this chick and teens, male and females alike, are consenting sex with people outside of their peer group.... and nothing can be done to prevent it from happening beforehand (afterwards, it's a different story).
If I were having this conversation with my children, I would thoroughly explain and encourage them to not have sex until they were ready (and established) and NOT TO HAVE SEX WITH ADULTS WHILE BEING A TEENAGER because of the damage and permanent consequences that can come from sex, in general, and sexual relationships with people much older than yourselves. After that, it's really all out of mine and any parent's hands. Hopefully, your children will be smart by heeding and abiding by your advice, but you never know....
There is an exception that I'm sure most people will agree with.... People in positions of power (Teachers especially)should never be engaged with their students, for obvious reasons.
Many of the people in this very thread has probably had sex with an adult while in their teens are talking about how wrong it is are in no position to judge, especially the females. I'm from a military city, so MANY of the females, before they locked down the barracks, were sneaking into the barracks on weekends drinking, smoking AND fukkING SOLDIERS who were between the ages of 17-30..... females I went to school with and even my own sister was participating in the fukkery. My family is the typical stable middle class, blue collar family(My father worked and my mom was mainly a housewife). We weren't broke by any means, so she did not need to gold dig soldiers like other girls I grew up with...... I want someone to tell me at 14-16 years old that my sister didn't consent to all the BS.... Don't worry, I'll wait.
Now, in no way am I saying that there aren't any sexual predators looking to take advantage of impressionable minds because there are.... what I'm saying is each case needs to be looked at OBJECTIVELY with the same standards across the board along with not legislating the right to be a dumb ass and have piss poor decision making.... and some parents need to do a better job of parenting.
Hate it or love it.......