i have no problem arguing that kids should be able to explore their sexuality as teens and that ppl who are aged 20 or 25 and up should be prohibited from banging them out. the 2 ideas aren't incongruous - kids should explore their sexuality w/ppl who are least likely to exploit their (assumed) naivete and ignorance when it comes to sex and relationships. the imbalance btw a 16 yr old and a 36 yr old is so great that in the abstract the idea of the 2 of them dating makes me uncomfortable. and even them getting it on w/o strings is icky IMO b/c i fear the 16 yr old isn't equipped to understand doing it w/o strings. i fear that the tenderoni will end up heart broken which could set them up for failure in their future. the risk is too high for them. i'm more comfortable w/them doing it w/another teen and even if that teen breaks the 16 yr old's heart it'll be done in that relatively naive, clumsy way kids do it and not as cold and deep as when adults do it.
but maybe i'm just clutching the pearls over nothing.