Many people assume that once a person reaches the age of consent, they are free to pursue any (lawful) kind of sexual activity they wish, including participating in and/or accessing or being exposed to pornography.
However, this is not necessarily the case and breaking applicable laws can lead to serious consequences.
Age of consent to engage in sexual activity
The age of consent refers to the minimum age a person can legally consent to sexual activity; in other words, the age at which the child is considered able to freely and voluntary participate in such activity.
The primary objective of age of consent laws is to protect children against abuse by adults.
Engaging in sexual activity with a person under the age of consent is a serious offence throughout the nation and, in New South Wales, can amount to sexual assault regardless of whether the child expresses consent.
