Children and Sex Work

In calling for the decriminalisation of sex work, we are talking about the buying and selling of sexual services between consenting adults. No serious supporter of decriminalisation has proposed that buying sex from a child or employing a child to sell sexual services should be decriminalised, even if that child is willing. This fact sheet outlines problems with existing ways of protecting children from being forced to do sex work. It also explains how the decriminalisation of adult sex work would make it easier to take legal action against people who force children into sex work. In addition, it would make it easier to help children avoid or stop selling sex.