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re:1) If a child in highschool (16) is experimenting with a elementary/middleschooler (12/13), there is a problem. The groupings of children in educational institutions is not abstract. So yes this is pedophilia.

re:2) The assumption that they can’t give consent is due to the inherent power imbalance in their “relationship”.

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2) Rules of thumb aren’t some deep universal truth. Power imbalances likely favor the older kid, but what about a developmentally disabled 16 year old, a 13 year old paying for an BJ etc. The most extreme counter example older slave girls and 12/13 year old masters used to be a thing.

In general power imbalances are likely, but if that the argument then you should talk about power imbalances not age.

PS: Not an objection to downvoting but what exactly do you disagree with here?

So then you agree that power imbalances in sexual relationships are a problem. Good. That should be enough to move forward.

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