Can a 17-Year-Old Date a 20-Year-Old

Can a 17-year-old date a 20-year-old? Many people usually ask this question. Thus, we have made this post to aid them.

It is unclear if a 17-year-old can date a 20-year-old. This is because of the rules and regulations of several governments and nations governing it. The legal age of consent is 18 in certain places.

Therefore, it would be unlawful for a 20-year-old to have sex with a 17-year-old. However, the legal consent age is lower in certain places, making a relationship like this permissible.

Furthermore, when deciding whether a 17-year-old may date a 20-year-old, there are numerous additional aspects besides the legality issue. These relationships may be challenging because of the disparities in maturity, life encounters, and long-term objectives.

Read More: Can A 17 Date A 19

Such a connection may be rife with power disparities or other problems that cause unease. This is in addition to mistrust or manipulation based on the people involved.

The difference in age between the two couples is another crucial factor. Even though a three-year age difference may not seem big, it might be important regarding psychological maturity and growth milestones.

Also, while 20-year-olds may be more mature in their employment or educational routes, 17-year-olds may still build their identities and discover who they are. Exploring a relationship together may lead to friction and even confrontation. Come along as we highlight more on this below.

What Contact Between A 20-Year-Old and 17-Year-Old Is Illegal?

A 20-year-old could be attracted to a 17-year-old still growing mentally and physically in contact with a 20-year-old. On the other hand, the legal consent age stands to stop youngsters from exploitation.

This is especially by someone considerably older than they are. Therefore, it is forbidden for a 20-year-old to have romantic or sexual relations with a 17-year-old.

The age of consent is 18 in most nations, including the US. Therefore, any romantic or sexual interaction between adults and children under 18 is illegal. This is regardless of how they feel about each other.

The justification for this regulation is that a minor is still a kid and lacks the psychological and mental development needed for intimate relationships on both a physical and emotional level.

The older person in such a situation is often more informed and experienced. This creates a power imbalance and increases the likelihood of exploitation, compulsion, or pressure on the older person’s behalf.

A 20-year-old who engages in sexual activity with a 17-year-old may have committed statutory rape. This serious offense is punishable by a lengthy prison sentence, steep fines, and inclusion on a registry of sex offenders.

Also, this is because the law aims to protect children from victimization by ensuring that someone beyond adulthood doesn’t take advantage of a minor’s weakness by misusing their maturity, expertise, and power.

Because of their juvenile mental and emotional capabilities, kids usually cannot grant consent. This is crucial in sexual interactions.

What’s The Best Way to Protect A 20-Year-Old Who Wants a Relationship with A 17-Year-Old?

Knowing the state’s consenting age is the first line of defense for a 20-year-old who desires a relationship with a 17-year-old. At this age, a person can legally give their permission for sexual conduct.

The legal age of consent is generally 18. However, in certain areas, it may be as young as 16 or 17. Knowledge of the laws is crucial to ensure that neither side infringes upon them.

Being honest and truthful in communication is another method to protect oneself. It is essential to make sure that both individuals are aware of the relationship’s limits and each other’s expectations.

The more youthful party may need to be psychologically or cognitively mature enough to comprehend the consequences of the connection. This is another important point to keep in mind.

It is crucial to protect oneself from any threats, such as sexual exploitation as well as neglect. A 20-year-old can feel that they can influence or control a 17-year-old since they are in a position of authority over them.

It is crucial to communicate clearly and in advance since the younger party can feel pressured into engaging in sexual or other behaviors. It is essential to ensure that any sexual activity is pleasant for both parties.

My Opinion

There are exceptions to the possibility of a 17-year-old dating a 20-year-old. Even if juveniles consent to any sexual activity, it cannot be under the assumption that they are in a consensual relationship with an older person. Additionally, the minor’s permission is quite illegal by the law since it was obtained by compulsion or force.

Learn More: Is Kissing A Minor Illegal

Therefore, irrespective of whether the child consented, it is illegal for a 20-year-old to engage in romantic or sexual behavior with a 17-year-old. And the minor’s behalf may seek justice.

References

• Sexual abuse of a minor in the second degree; The Alaska Legal Resource Center: http://www.touchngo.com/lglcntr/akstats/Statutes/Title11/Chapter41/Section436.htm
• Statutory Rape: A Guide to State Laws and Reporting Requirements; United States Department of Health and Human Services: https://aspe.hhs.gov/reports/state-laws
• Sexual Abuse of Children; Montana Code Annotated: https://leg.mt.gov/bills/mca/title_0450/chapter_0050/part_0060/section_0250/0450-0050-0060-0250.html