Child marriage is a practice that is still unfortunately prevalent in many parts of the world. According to Unchained At Last, the youngest girls to marry in the United States between 2000 and 2010 were three 10-year-old girls in Tennessee who married men aged 24, 25, and 31 in 2001. The youngest boy to marry was an 11-year-old, also in Tennessee, who married a 27-year-old woman in 2006.
The practice of child marriage is often rooted in poverty, and is often used as a way to ensure a child’s financial security. In many cases, it is also used to control a child’s sexuality and reproductive choices. Unfortunately, the practice of child marriage is often seen as a way to protect a girl’s “honor” or to ensure that she will not engage in premarital sex.
The legal age of marriage in the United States is 18, although exceptions can be made in certain cases with parental consent. In Tennessee, the legal age of marriage is 16, although there are exceptions for those under 16 with parental consent and judicial approval.
Child marriage is a serious issue that has serious implications for the physical, psychological, and emotional well-being of children. Studies have shown that child marriage can lead to higher rates of domestic violence, mental health issues, and even death. It can also lead to a lack of education and economic opportunities for the child, as well as a lack of autonomy and control over their own lives.
It is clear that the practice of child marriage is a serious issue that needs to be addressed. It is important to ensure that children are protected from this practice and that they are given the opportunity to make their own decisions about their lives. We must also work to ensure that those who are married at a young age are given the support and resources they need to lead safe and healthy lives.
