Why do people ask me if my twelve year old daughter is on birth control?

First off, she’s twelve! Secondly, we are Catholic.

Traditionally, for a long time the age of consent in Italy was fourteen, but it was raised to sixteen in accord with the general view of European nations.

Italy last majorly revised its general baseline age of consent to 14 years old with the introduction of the Rocco Penal Code, which took effect in 1931, and further reformed related sexual offense provisions in 1996.

Historical Changes
1890:
The Zanardelli Penal Code set the national age of consent at 12 years old.
1931:
The fascist government introduced the Rocco Penal Code, raising the baseline generally to 16 years old, with specific lower exceptions/nuances.
1930s–1996:
The baseline effectively settled or was interpreted around 14 years old under specific articles, while related moral corruption clauses remained.
1996:
Italy abolished ambiguous ancillary corruption clauses (Article 530) and updated sexual violence laws under comprehensive legal reforms.

Current Rules
Baseline:
Generally 14 years old.
Authority figures:
Rises to 16 years old if the adult is in a position of trust, authority, or guardianship (such as a teacher).
Close-in-age exception:
Consensual activity is permitted if the younger minor is at least 13 and the older partner is no more than 3 years older.

Most people think 14, but there are still people who will take legal recourse for recriminations.