That's a very difficult question, I don't really know where I stand on it.

I think as parents we have an obligation to teach and protect children, to raise them to be safe, educated, respectful and confident. That can mean guiding them and doing things that are harmful, even if they really want to.

For example, wandering off and getting lost. Crossing the road no matter how eager you are to. Not just eating sweets, chocolates and burgers.

So the question is perhaps is a sexual relationship with an adult something that is never a good idea and should be stopped for their own good or is it OK if its part of a trusting, loving and protective relationship?

At the very least the parent should know and trust the adult, believe the relationship is mutual, respectful and healthy and be happy that the relationship is not abusive in any way. The parent should be able to talk to both partners openly to ensure this.

But today the state has defined rules that are legal so I'd say that a relationship should not be allowed because it would involve breaking the law and therefore would require the child to lie and hide things which would be confusing and difficult and not in the childs best interests. I think the state should perhaps be less involved in such matters. The state should make it illegal for anyone to be abused and then define what is considered abuse and so things like manipulation, threatening behavior, forcing or intimidating someone into a sexual relationship. As long as a relationship is not abusive then the state should trust the person, in the case of a child the parents legal parent or guardian to make decisions about whats in their childs best interests. The state isn't the best judge of what's in each persons best interests when it comes to relationships.

Educate children and their parents, raise confident and intelligent children, have laws to stop abusive behavior and have some trust and respect that people can make good decisions.