How Will I Know When I Am Ready?

Everyone is different and some people have sex earlier than others. It’s important for you to keep in mind that the legal age to have sex in Ireland for boys and girls is 17. This means it is illegal to have sex if you are under that age and you could be prosecuted for having sex with someone under the age of 17 even if you both agreed to have sex.

A lot of different things might factor influence your decision on whether you are ready to have sex. You might feel pressured by your friends or your partner, you might be curious because you’ve heard about sex, and you might be ready. Bit there is no rush and it’s important to remember it’s ok to wait.

No one should have sex because they feel like they have to or because they’re scared of what will happen if they don’t. Any type of forced sex is rape, even if that is sex with a boyfriend or girlfriend and you didn’t want to have sex. No always means no and if someone tells you they don’t want to have sex you should respect their decision.

There are loads of other ways to show that you like someone like talking, kissing, dancing, holding hands. It’s important you find what works for you and what you’re comfortable with and that you communicate that to your partner.