SEX is not a taboo but when they say age limit, they just didnt' choose those number just because they liked them. It was a full speculations on various aspects. It is considered even by lot of psychologists that before 18 our brain is not mature enough to think what is right and what is wrong (Now I'm not generalizing each and everyone cause I know there are few smart ppl among us who won't agree with me). Being under 18 doesn't mean that you can't have sex at all..they can mess around with ppl under 21....thats the age set up so that grown ups won't take advantage of childrens' developing mind...persuade them, lure them and sexually exploite them. when talkin about our grandmothers getting married at the age of 15 (in some cases I've even heard getting married at the age of 9)....it was by the pressure and not by their choice. some people have even become mom at the age of 15, that don't mean it would work out for each and everyone (some are more developed physically than others). The government had to set up an age bar so that it would be safe enough for average girls to give birth and wouldn't harm her physically as well as mentally. If the government wouldnt' be scrict on the rule whats the point of making the rule and ISSUES COMES UP WHEN THE RULE IS IMPLEMENTED and THAT IS WHY IT IS A BIG DEAL. if you look at nepal or india, they also have this marrieage age of 18 for girls basically being the same reasons. The society is so conservative there that even to talk abut sex is a crime and thats why they say MARRIAGE. Over here its an open society so they say SEX directly instead of applying an indirect meaning~~ Teaching about sex in the early age won't be sufficient. I want to ask you all something...how many of us have been taught from early age is that smoking is harmful to health?? People still smokes.... what happened to all those anti-smoke education? Peaople make sex a big deal in States just because lot of people dont' follow the government standards and regulations!!