Why can kids not consent? (I’m not pro-pedophilia. I just want more resources on this)

Questions and discussion about sexual or other abuse or assault, and support and help for survivors.
Forum rules
This area of the boards is expressly for support and help for those who are currently in or have survived abuse or assault. It is also for those seeking information or discussion about abuse or assault. Please make every effort in this space to be supportive and sensitive. Posts in this area may or do describe abuse or assault explicitly.

This area of the boards is also not an area where those who are themselves abusing anyone or who have abused or assaulted someone may post about doing that or seek support. We are not qualified to provide that kind of help, and that also would make a space like this feel profoundly unsafe for those who are being or who have been abused. If you have both been abused and are abusing, we can only discuss harm done to you: we cannot discuss you yourself doing harm to others. If you are someone engaging in abuse who would like help, you can start by seeking out a mental healthcare provider.
ohmother
not a newbie
Posts: 6
Joined: Thu Oct 30, 2025 11:59 pm
Age: 15
Awesomeness Quotient: I make cool art
Primary language: English
Pronouns: Any pronouns, they/it preference
Sexual identity: Unlabeled objectum
Location: America

Why can kids not consent? (I’m not pro-pedophilia. I just want more resources on this)

Unread post by ohmother »

Hi! I wanted to ask about why exactly minors cannot consent. I understand they cannot due to most of their activity being impulsive, however, I would like to know other reasons as to why. I myself was groomed online, and I just feel like I know why it was wrong, but I cant put my finger on it. It just made me feel awful

I feel like it should be shared the resources on it, so people can fully grasp the concept that we ourselves cannot consent to adults. It’s important nowadays with the rise of abuse online.

I hope this is the right board to post this in…
KierC
scarleteen staff/volunteer
Posts: 798
Joined: Tue Mar 12, 2024 2:10 pm
Age: 28
Awesomeness Quotient: I can and will reupholster anything
Primary language: English
Pronouns: She/they
Sexual identity: Queer
Location: Chicago, IL

Re: Why can kids not consent? (I’m not pro-pedophilia. I just want more resources on this)

Unread post by KierC »

Hi Ohmother,

First, I am so sorry to hear that someone groomed you online. That is not okay, and I’m so sorry it happened to you. You’re right, minors cannot consent because of where they’re at with brain development and decision-making. It’s also wrong due to power differentials, where adults are physically larger and usually in a position of power or authority that makes interactions with minors non consensual. We also have this advice column that addresses a similar question if you’d like to read some resources: The age of consent… for what, exactly?.

Did that answer your questions?
ohmother
not a newbie
Posts: 6
Joined: Thu Oct 30, 2025 11:59 pm
Age: 15
Awesomeness Quotient: I make cool art
Primary language: English
Pronouns: Any pronouns, they/it preference
Sexual identity: Unlabeled objectum
Location: America

Re: Why can kids not consent? (I’m not pro-pedophilia. I just want more resources on this)

Unread post by ohmother »

Yes! Thank you so much
Post Reply Previous topicNext topic
  • Similar Topics
    Replies
    Views
    Last post