There is no good reason why they shouldn't wait until they are at least 18 years old.
Self-control and self-discipline seem to be dying characteristics for young people these days. They want that instant gratification, and aren't taught to wait for anything worthwhile. Gotta have that sex, car, iPod, booze, cell phone, attention, drugs, new clothes, money, RIGHT NOW! Waa, waa, give me my bottle now! They don't mature or learn how to set priorities in their lives. Just gotta have that instant pleasure, even if it destroys their future lives or the lives of others.
Boo, hoo, I'm 17 years old and can't have sex until I'm 18 (or God forbid, married)--I'm gonna
die!
Heaven forbid they get married and because of military deployment or illness they have to do without sex with their spouse for one year. I guess they'll feel justified in finding "release" with someone else. We certainly couldn't expect that person to put the interests of a loved one first.
It's very, very sad.
It's a shame that we have such low expectations and standards for our young people.