For the longest time, I thought the age of consent was 18 across the world in all first-world countries. Perhaps I was young and naive, or maybe the world was indeed a more moral place a decade ago. However, it never really crossed my mind until two things happened: the appalling and heinous acts committed by Jeffrey Epstein throughout his life, from his dubious beginnings at Dalton to his astonishing ownership of an entire island and a townhouse in NYC. It seemed like an unlikely meteoric rise.

More recently, Japan, a first-world country known for its amazing modern technology and some of the longest-living people in its blue zones, had an age of consent that was shockingly low at 12! Yes, you read that right, 12 years old! I couldn’t believe it either. They recently raised it to 16, but the fact that it was 12 until just a few months ago was mind-boggling.

After hearing this news, I turned to ChatGPT to find out the age of consent across the world, and here’s what it came up with:

• United Kingdom: 16 years old (England, Wales, and Northern Ireland), 16 years old (Scotland).
• Germany: 14 years old.
• France: 15 years old.
• Spain: 16 years old.
• Italy: 14 years old.
• Sweden: 15 years old.
• Netherlands: 16 years old.
• Belgium: 16 years old.
• Switzerland: 16 years old.
• Austria: 14 years old.
• Greece: 15 years old.
• Portugal: 14 years old.
• Denmark: 15 years old.
• Norway: 16 years old.
• Finland: 16 years old.
• Iceland: 15 years old.
• Ireland: 17 years old.
• Hungary: 14 years old.
• Czech Republic: 15 years old.
• Poland: 15 years old.
• Argentina: 13 years old, but there are additional restrictions for sexual activity with individuals between 13 and 16.
• Brazil: 14 years old.
• Chile: 14 years old.
• Colombia: 14 years old.
• Peru: 14 years old.
• Venezuela: 16 years old.
• Ecuador: 14 years old.
• Bolivia: 14 years old.
• Paraguay: 14 years old.
• Uruguay: 15 years old.
• Guyana: 16 years old.
• Suriname: 14 years old.
• French Guiana (Overseas Department of France): 15 years old (French law applies).
• Mexico: The age of consent in Mexico varies by state but is typically around 12 to 18 years old. Some states set it at 12 or 13 with certain restrictions, while others set it at 16 or 18.
• Guatemala: 18 years old.
• Belize: 16 years old.
• El Salvador: 18 years old.
• Honduras: 18 years old.
• Nicaragua: 18 years old.
• Costa Rica: 15 years old.
• Panama: 18 years old.

These statistics shocked me and made me realize that not only does the United States have one of the highest ages of consent, but more importantly, a majority of these countries have an age of consent under 16. It’s essential to reflect on this issue, especially in light of the appalling crimes committed by Jeffrey Epstein. Perhaps the problem isn’t limited to Epstein but reflects a broader issue in our global culture. While I personally believe that the American standard is the right one in this regard, the fact that these countries have such low ages of consent is shocking and, in my opinion, wrong.

Epstein’s ability to exploit young women from around the world at such a young age forces us to confront the harsh reality that child sex trafficking is more prevalent than we realize. It may be worth looking inward and recognizing that our culture plays a significant role in driving these heinous acts. Initiating change starts with us, by fostering a culture that emphasizes values, family, and community, and by promoting the well-being of our children to combat these terrible crimes. Additionally, incorporating God and religion into our efforts to change this culture can be a powerful force for positive change, guiding us toward a more moral and compassionate society.