The UK government has added a special exemption to its new mandatory reporting rules for child sexual abuse concerns, protecting consensual relationships between teenagers over 13.
Under the Crime and Policing Bill, professionals like teachers and doctors must report suspected abuse or face legal consequences. However, Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips introduced an amendment to prevent unnecessary reporting of age-appropriate teenage relationships.
The clause, dubbed the “Romeo and Juliet” provision, allows discretion when both teens are over 13, close in age, and show no signs of coercion or harm.
“We don’t want teachers reporting two kissing teenagers when there’s no concern,” Phillips explained, emphasizing the need to balance protection with avoiding overreach. Conservative MP Harriet Cross supported the measure, noting it prevents alarm over peer relationships while maintaining scrutiny for concerning age gaps or power imbalances.
The exemption does not apply if either child is under 13 or if abuse is suspected.
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