A minor engaged in a commercial sex act will be identified as which term and cannot be convicted of prostitution?

• A. Juvenile delinquent
• B. Child victim of prostitution
• C. Sexually exploited child
• D. Underage worker

Answer: (C)

When a minor is involved in commercial sex acts, the situation is understood as exploitation of a child, not criminal behavior by the child. The best term reflects that the child is a victim who has been exploited for sex, so they cannot be charged with prostitution. Labeling them as a sexually exploited child acknowledges their vulnerability and guides the proper response toward protection, support, and referral to appropriate services rather than punishment.

Juvenile delinquent implies that the child is committing delinquent acts, which misrepresents the situation of a minor forced or coerced into sex work. A term like child victim of prostitution places emphasis on victimhood but does not highlight the ongoing exploitation context as strongly as sexually exploited child does. Underage worker would imply a lawful employment scenario, which doesn’t fit the coercive and exploitative nature of the act.