Children’s brains do not process and interpret emotions the same way a mature brain does, thus they can be controlled and manipulated easier. The amygdala–the part of the brain involved in the processing and expression of emotions–is only fully developed around the age of 23.

To a child–and even a young teenager–the adult is a superior who (the minor assumes) knows better. A minor is incapable of giving consent because her brain is not yet capable of processing the emotions involved enough to determine that she is being taken advantage of.

Child-child sex is not illegal because the balance of power is equal. That balance is tipped, however, when an adult prompts, encourages, or is involved in any way in the child-child sexual experience.

Therefore, sexual abuse of a child is more often a crime of abuse of power and psychological abuse rather than physical abuse.

The dictionary defines a pedophile as “an adult who is sexually attracted to young children”–no mention of exclusivity. By your definition, almost no adult who has had sexual contact with a child could rightfully be called a pedophile, as most also have sex with other adults.

/rant