Healthy relationships

— Download the full timeline (image)

What is the youngest age someone can get married in England and Wales?

18 years old. Even if the person under 18 consents and has permission from their parents, they cannot marry until they turn 18.

If you get married overseas when you are under the legal age in the UK and you come back to live in the UK, is the marriage recognised in England and Wales?

No. While it was historically possible, marriages officiated in Scotland and Northern Ireland cannot bypass the new legislation for people who ordinarily live in England and Wales.

What happens if someone gets married before they turn 18?

Adults over 18 found guilty of arranging the marriages can face sentences of up to 7 years in prison. 16-year-olds cannot be charged as they would be seen as victims by the law. If a 16-year-old married an 18-year-old, the 18-year-old can be charged.

– Download the Minimum Age of Marriage factsheet (PDF)

If you’re under 18, how to try get a photo or video removed:

— Report Remove

If you’re over 18, how to try get a photo or video removed:

1. If you’re experiencing bullying, harassment, impersonation or receiving threats or other online abuse, you can report the harmful content here: Report Harmful Content
2. If someone is threatening to share images or videos of you online, get support here: Stop NCII

— Watch If you have had private images or videos shared online… (video)

– Watch Relationship Red & Green Flags (video)

• What colour would you assign to these statements, green (healthy), yellow (unhealthy) or red (abusive)?
• Are some easier to name than others?
• What do your family and friends think? If you disagree, explain your view and listen to theirs.

Under 18

• Childline – you can contact Childline about anything at all.
• ‘Childline Report Remove’ is here to help young people under 18 in the UK to confidentially report images and videos of themselves and remove them from the internet.

11–25 years old

• The Mix – essential support for under 25s
• The digital break up toolkit – how to keep yourself safe online.

Over 18

• Love Respect – Is my relationship healthy?
• Women’s Aid Online Chat
• If you’re experiencing bullying, harassment, impersonation or receiving threats or other online abuse, you can report the harmful content here
• If you’re over 18 and someone is threatening to share images or videos of you online – get support here
• The digital break up toolkit – how to keep yourself safe online.
• Tech safety in the home (interactive tool) – spot devices in their homes which could be controlled by an abuser and give them simple advice on how to secure these devices.