[Margaret Pilkington]

It is Ok to disagree.
I think that for children to be able to make decisions they have to have a variety of experiences.
I must be at least 20 years older that you are. We went to church and to Sunday school.....and it was through these organisations that we had contact(real contact) with other children of our own age. We were given options to do things(or not do them)...to attend parties(well if you call a spam butty and a glass of Kia Ora, a party)...we went on outings, to panto's, the seaside....and this was our only opportunity to do these things. Some of us made friendships which would last through life.
We had experiences which made us able to determine what was 'rubbish' and what was not.......we didn't believe all that we were told...so obviously, not that impressionable. I guess that is why I am now so very cynical...my background, my upbringing, my social contacts.
Todays young folk communicate by text...even when they are in the same room...they don't do face to face conversations...they talk in text speak...they have few interpersonal skills.......they are the product of society and in some instances, what can only be considered, lazy parenting.( please note the 'some' in bold).