Am I exploiting minors if I enjoy ageplay and DDlg (Daddy Dom little girl) with another adult?

Short answer: No. 

When an adult is engaging in consensual ageplay and/or DDlg with another adult, this is a roleplaying scenario that doesn’t harm or exploit children, nor does it mean a person is a pedophile or attracted to children. 

What is ageplay? 

Ageplay is a consensual behavior that adults engage in to pretend they’re a different age, often younger. This can include how they dress, talk or interact with the world. For example, some people like to pretend to be stubborn like a teenager or dress like a younger version of themselves, use coloring books, or be cared for like a toddler. 

This can be sexual for some people, and for other people, it can be something that merely gives them comfort and makes them feel good but doesn’t involve sex or arousal at all. The other person engaged in this behavior with their partner typically plays the role of someone in a position of power over that person, like a teacher, parent, or another caregiving adult. 

What is DDlg? 

DDlg stands for Daddy Dom little girl, which involves consenting adults pretending to be someone older (the Daddy/dominant) and someone younger (the little girl), and can also include other gender configurations too (for instance MDlb: Mommy Dom little boy). This may also involve other aspects of domination (what the Dom is short for), which can include consensual pain-play or discipline between two or more adults. Often the roles adults play in these scenarios are pre-negotiated beforehand, and the adults involved understand the risks and have ways to slow down what’s happening or stop the interaction immediately if someone feels unsafe or at their limits. People who enjoy playing with power dynamics may engage with DDlg. 

Pedophilia is not the same as Ageplay or DDlg

Pedophilia is a diagnostic term for someone who is sexually attracted to prepubescent children, typically those 11 and under. Pretending to be a younger age (but both people are actually adults), is not the same as sexually abusing children or being attracted to them. When both people are consensual adults, this is not harming or exploiting children. Most people who engage in ageplay or DDlg are not attracted to children and won’t meet the criteria for pedophilia. 

Still having concerns about pedophilia, ageplay or DDlg?

Sometimes something doesn’t feel good for you even if there isn’t anything objectively wrong with it and no one’s boundaries are being violated. That’s okay! No matter what, it’s brave to ask for help. You can reach out to our helpline for more support, or you can read about How to Find Help if you’d like to speak with a professional. You don’t have to go through this alone!