Children’s rights

Press, 21 August 1982, Page 14

Children’s rights

Sir, — I am disappointed that the Children’s Bill of Rights has prompted correspondents to emphasise the rights of adults over young people. Too often this means the authority to tell them: “Do this, because we say so!” Parents have, in the first place, responsibilities — we brought our children into the world. And everyone should be working towards a society that respects and cares for children as people. It follows from this, according to John Holt’s closely-argued book “Escape from Childhood" which seems to worry V. J. F. Clements (August 18) that in the decisions affecting them the young should be given more say and more freedom, including some basic civil rights which not all adults have at present. Then they might learn earlier how to choose wisely and act responsibly. — Yours, etc.,

PETER A. LOW. August 18, 1982.

Sir, — Replying to the letters of August 17: (a) Interference in so. personal a matter (the embryo or foetus) is no business of mine and is not under consideration, (b) All child-related decision-making by boards, bodies, conferences or commissions should have an elected majority of parentconsumers, as I have said. In addition all should be subject to public scrutiny and hearings, (c) I am not president of the Family Life Education Council, (d) The great majority of all parents are law-abiding, concerned and responsible adults. From these, an increasing number of requests have come for introducing child development and family life in schools, (e) Questions of injustices — child abuse, exploitation, incest, child custody etc., — form the bulk of the remainder. The children of these approximately 10 per cent of parents must have the services of an official child-advocate or child Ombudsman. The composition of a Ministry or Commission for Children should have 51-60 per cent concerned par-ent-consumers on it. — Yours, etc.,

NANCY SUTHERLAND. August 19. 1982.