Currently we are failing - young rent boys and homeless gay teenagers evidence that. Our cultural myths about beautiful young virgins need to be explored and exploded. Young people's best defence against exploitation is probably information coupled with safe spaces for discussion. The gay community has led the way in providing such environments. Changing laws can solve and create problems.
Effects are often unforseen and mistakes are often made.
Welcome to the stickiest subject, guaranteed to send reasonable people into apoplexy. This article reflects my own personal current feelings on the matter, and does not represent the views of any of the organisations I belong to. I say this not because I am at loggerheads with the groups I work with, but rather because they are so vulnerable on this specific issue. In particular, the Sexual Freedom Coalition learnt early on that paedophilia is a minefield. The SFC had to make the stand that it was an organisation defending the rights of consenting adults with no comment on anything outside that sphere.