Being in love doesn’t give a person exemption from the rule. If an individual less than 18 years of age is a minor. A minor cannot legally agree to engage in sexual act, much more make sexual contact.

Fooling around with someone who is known to have been slipped a drug could get a teen in as much as trouble as the one who gave the drug. If a teen slap or pinches someone’s breast or butt as a joke and the person finds it offensive can get you in much trouble. Having sex with someone who is too drunk to be aware, even if he/she intended to get drunk is a class A felony. Even if a boyfriend/girlfriend wants to have sex with his/her partner, the parents have the right to have him/her arrested if they find out. Also, teens have to be careful in online chat rooms, sure it can be fun but the fun ends when the person in the other end is an adult luring teens or a 12 year old boy.

Parents should make it clear that if any of the rules are breeched, there are instances that the teen will be branded as a sex offender in juvenile court, and if the case is transferred to adult court then he/she shall be treated as an adult sex offender and is then subject to the same penalties that adult offenders get. Meaning they are branded for life.

Other consequences would be that they may end up studying at home instead of in school with friends. That is if they still even have friends. Being branded as a sex offender also prevents them from applying for and receiving student loans, grants and scholarships. Along with all these, comes the risk of pregnancy and getting STDs.

Becoming sex offenders and being victimized by sex offenders can both be horrifying things that parents would like their children protected from. I think the best way to deal with this is to keep a good eye and find more ways to be observant, just my two cents.