Dangerous liaison

I want to ask one question to all parents. Can you allow your 12-year-old son or daughter to have sex? Non-penetrative sex for that matter. The draft Protection of Children From Sexual Offences Bill, 2010, proposed by ministry of women and child development, seeks to legalise just that. If the Bill becomes law, it will be legal for a 12-year-old to indulge in heavy petting, feeling each other’s bodies and probably even mutual masturbation.
Who is to check if the activity progresses to intercourse or not? In India, 12-year-olds have little or no exposure to formal sex education, which leaves them clueless about the consequences of the act of sex. The Bill proposes to give them rights without responsibilities. In spite of knowing the mind and maturity of a child at this age, the government is hoping to give them a right to consent, be it for penetrative or non-penetrative sex. Indian society is not open enough. How many of us, at the age of 14, even knew about sex?
For kids who have access to the internet, supporting this Bill will only encourage them to exploit their sexuality. They will tell each other — “Don’t worry. We are eligible. I’ve read on the internet.” Street kids will have a similar story, except, instead of the internet, their source of information will be their spoilt peer group. In either case, parents will never be informed. Ask any set of parents on how much check and control they have on their kids’ activities and you will get your answer. Think about it.
An old debate comes to my mind. Since you cannot stop a 12-year-old from indulging in these activities, legalise it. This is similar to the way some countries are legalising drugs and prostitution in the name of exercising right of choice. I wonder where it will all end? Secondly, what if a video of two kids exploring their sexuality with mutual consent is leaked on the internet? Who will be the one to blame? This Bill? You? Or myself? So, parents beware! If this Bill is passed, you’re not going to have the law on your side!