They don't even catch all of the people who are engaging in this (let alone those who would like to but have not).
The arrest records (not convictions or plea bargains) would be an underrepresented count of those who are for this.
It would not justify lowering the age of consent in any way, I'm just pointing out that just because they are a deviant minority who's actions are outlawed, the same argument held against homosexuality for a long time. I am referring to all people who pursue minors too, not just homosexuals or heterosexuals.
I was just asking which practice (homosexuality or pedophilia) had more followers.
I've been arguing on this thread that the states do no favors by endorsing teen sex (with romeo & juliet laws, free condoms in schools, and nurses who take girls to the abortionist). Since the states do condone such behavior ("we might as well acknowledge that kids are going to have sex and make the best of the situation") they open the door for the age of consent to continue to creep downward. After all, an adult male can better provide for a young pregnant girl than a high school aged boy. Doesn't justify adult child relations but it makes as much sense as encouring kids to have sex with each other.
These work through hormone supression. When these kids are in high school their bodies are just beginning to undergo hormonal changes. Supressing those hormones (through the use of birth control devices) does not sound healthy.