Raising the age of consent is a well-intentioned policy, but it functions merely as a band-aid solution to a deeply systemic crisis. 

Legal text alone cannot shield young girls from exploitation if we do not address the root vulnerabilities that lead them into harm’s way.

True protection requires shifting our focus from reactionary legislation to proactive empowerment. Laws dictate penalties after a violation occurs, but comprehensive education and economic security prevent the violation from happening in the first place. We must equip girls with robust sex education, digital literacy to navigate online predators, and the agency to identify grooming behaviours early.

Furthermore, many young girls fall victim to exploitative relationships due to economic deprivation or a lack of mentorship. With limited support systems, we leave girls vulnerable to older perpetrators offering financial security or emotional validation. We must invest heavily in community mentorship programs, mental health resources, and academic opportunities that build self-worth and independence.

We cannot simply pass a law, dust our hands, and assume our daughters are safe. Let us move past superficial fixes and commit to the harder, more impactful work of empowering girls with the knowledge, resources, and confidence to navigate society safely.

The Inner Light
A world of paths beneath her feet,
Where strength and wisdom choose to meet.
True protection starts within the mind,
In the boundless courage she will find.
Not just a shield against the gale,
But a steady ship with a sturdy sail.
Lift her up with words of grace,
To lead with pride in every space.
Teach her that her voice is gold,
With stories waiting to be told.
Empower the “no,” the “yes,” the choice,
To listen to her inner voice.
Give her the tools to build her dream,
To navigate the swiftest stream.
The strength she needs is in her soul,
The confidence to take control.
When she knows her value and her might,
She walks prepared within the light.
For a girl who learns her own great worth,
Can change the very face of earth.
The greatest gift that one can see,
Is a girl who’s bold, informed, and free.

Garfield L. Angus of Spur Tree, Manchester