Template:Debate Guide:Arguments about children and minors

People under the age of majority can be sexual...

• Against: Cognitive ability = consent - Some argue that "sex" has special properties that make it impossible for minors to give informed consent.
• Against: Childhood innocence - "Childhood innocence" is a highly problematic concept.
• Evolutionary logic - Trauma from voluntary age-gap relations makes no sense in evolutionary terms.
• Cyclical paternalism - Protecting minors brings about the need to protect them more.

• Liberty-empowerment - Empowering young people will benefit them.

Anti age-gap arguments are really anti-youth arguments...

• Against: The kids do not want it - Legal minors are supposedly too stupid to consent, and were never consulted when their rights were taken away. However, the same antis who support those laws, suddenly require them to show "enthusiasm" for legalization efforts.
• Against: Teen brain - Ideas of a distinct, or inferior "teen brain" are value-laden, outdated western pseudoscience.
• Against: Corresponding age attraction - Questions the assumption of a unique "childhood" or "between minors" sexual orientation.

Sexually repressing minors does not benefit them...

• Against: Online dangers - The internet is generally not a dangerous place for minors.
• Reverse sexualization - Popular acknowledgement of sexuality in nude photography is revealing.
• Turn of events - How the reporting and prosecution of sex can change the perspective of a youth.
• The ideal victim - Pursuing a singular, stereotyped view of the abuser and their victim actually encourages abuse.

From the encyclopedia...

• Youth are sexually oppressed through the legal system.
• So-called "child pornography" and the "effects" of porn on minors.