CI reveals NHS website condones underage sex

The Christian Institute has revealed that an NHS website for children and young adults condones underage sex and gives sex advice.

Several NHS Trusts in Scotland promote the Cool2Talk website, which is targeted at people between twelve and 26 and aims to answer their questions about sex and relationships.

The site was set up in 2005 as a “safe space”, but the Institute has raised concerns that much of the content is not suitable for younger visitors, and undermines the law on the age of consent.

Underage sex

One 14-year-old girl asked about the consequences of sleeping with a 16-year-old boy. She was told that having sex with someone under 16 was illegal, but that if the sex was consensual, it was “unlikely to cause a problem”.

A 15-year-old asked about having sex with an 18-year-old, and was told it would probably not be followed up.

The website stated: “If you become sexually intimate together then [the 18-year-old] is breaking the law, although as long as you consent and are not being pressured into anything then it is unlikely anything will be pursued.”

Age of consent

The Christian Institute says the website should be reviewed urgently.

Simon Calvert, Deputy Director for Public Affairs, said: “The advice given on this site and available for any child to see is highly irresponsible.

“The age of consent law exists because children under 16 are not considered capable of giving informed consent.

“It is reckless to act as if underage sex is normal and send this message to other children visiting the website.”

Inappropriate

Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser also criticised the website.

He said: “All advice on sexual matters which is directed at those under the age of consent should be age-appropriate.

“Some of what is on this website would appear not to meet that test and, indeed, could be seen to condone an adult having sex with a child. The content of this site needs to be reviewed to address these concerns.”