This is a question that gets asked a lot. We often see disclaimers that people must be 18 years of age or older to purchase sexually explicit materials. Yet, does this also apply to sex toys as well?
This guide will answer this question. At the same time, we'll talk about whether there are any laws that pertain to the sale of sex toys and the age of the buyer. It's important to consider this if you or someone you know may be under the age of 18.
Let's begin now by answering this question in detail below.
Can you purchase sex toys under the age of 18? (Ways to get it under 18)
The short answer: Yes and no. Beginning with the no - there are some states in the US where you need to be 18 years of age to purchase sex toys. Should you decide to shop for sex toys, I recommend you read through the laws of the exact place where you live.
Further solidifying the 'no' answer, sex shops will not allow anyone under the age of 18 to enter the store. Which means that they won't be able to purchase sex toys. However, thanks to the internet, this may not apply to online stores that sell sex toys.
Getting to the 'yes' part of our answer, the age restriction is subjective. Some sex toy websites will have age restrictions and some may not. It will depend on the website.
The only time you may purchase a sex toy and under 18 is if you have access to a debit or credit card. This will allow you to purchase a sex toy that you wish to use. Bear in mind that your bank activity may be monitored by your parents.
Another thing to consider is using cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin. Some sex shops will accept it as a form of payment since it's not like the usual payment procedures you find in online shops.
One thing to note is just because you have purchased a toy online as a minor, doesn't mean you're out of the woods yet. There may be laws and regulations that may bar a minor from gaining access to a sex toy.
However, if you wish to purchase one, you're just going to have to face the music and tell your parents. Keep in mind that your parents will have the final say on the matter. As embarrassing as it might be, it may be worth giving it a shot.
Or, you can circumvent this by enlisting the help of an older friend or a relative. If they are of age to purchase a sex toy such as dildos, vibrators or male masturbators (regardless if it's online or in-store), they might be able to help. It may be worth doing this discreetly.
Once again, it's not illegal to use a sex toy even if you are under 18. But there will likely be challenges for the purchasing process.
What is the closest thing to a law regarding minors and sale of sex toys?
In 1998, the State of Alabama passed a controversial law that pertained to the sale of sex toys. At the outset, it was a legislative measure that was used to prohibit nude dancing (or stripping). The law was backed mostly by Christian conservatives.
However, it was challenged by the ACLU and an adult novelty dealer regarding constitutional violations. Later on, they utilized Lawrence v. Texas stated that it guaranteed a right to sell sex toys. More dealers of sex toys would join in on the challenge.
Despite the confusion regarding this existing law, it is not illegal to own or use a sex toy in Alabama. These toys are sold as 'novelty' items. On top of that, most sellers are not prosecuted by the law since they circumvent it with the help of their marketing materials.
Since its enactment, several different Alabama lawmakers have attempted to repeal the Anti-Obscenity Law of 1998. However, those attempts have failed.
However, this law wasn't the first of its kind. In 1973, the State of Texas has a law that bans the possession or promoting the use of more than six different sex toys (or as they call it 'obscene devices'). Keep in mind that this was going on at a time when anti-obscenity was a hotbed issue.
Around this time, persons such as Hugh Hefner and Larry Flynt were making their marks with sexually explicit periodicals (Playboy and Hustler). While this was a different issue, it seems as though sex toys were being swept along with it.
Likewise, these anti-obscenity laws tend to be the favorite among Christian conservatives. However, there's a good chance that some of the laws can still be challenged with enough support. Especially in a time when most of humanity is becoming more 'sex positive'.
It may be a challenge for states like Alabama and Texas to repeal their anti-obscenity laws. However, this doesn't mean that it's wrong to own or let alone use a sex toy. There are crazy laws in this country that somehow pertain to sex toys.
There doesn't seem to be more of these gaining steam anytime soon. Especially when the anti-obscenity movement of ages past has faded into obscurity.
Final Thoughts
Even though it's not illegal for anyone under 18 to use a sex toy, the purchasing of one is subjective. Brick and mortar sex shops will likely bar a minor from entering the store. However, there are websites that can sell sex toys to minors despite some restrictive barriers in place.
However, there is no major law in place that makes the purchase of sex toys illegal (especially to minors). We are not legal experts in this regard. But it makes common sense knowing that sex stores can bar minors from purchasing sex toys due to the explicit nature of them.
For further details on how all this works on our site, Honey Play Box, please refer to the Terms of Service page - our brand, Honey Play Box, is legal, however, we recommend checking the terms just to make sure you are able to use the site legally.
