WATCHING Children in Need on the BBC on Friday (November 17), I was reminded of the many children who deserve our support, and I was convinced of their need. What I am not convinced of is that any child has a genuine need of a mobile phone, internet access and exposure.
Possession of a mobile phone should be a privilege granted at the age of 18. Internet access should be an elective and permitted option with strict conditions.
Some may say "the children may need to make emergency contact": I suggest that a pager with limited emergency function would address this argument. The existence of social media is a communication scenario which has evolved as an uncontrolled medium without legal or ethical constraints, and has exposed children to many risks.
It is my opinion that the freedom allowed to children in this medium is harmful, and that they are in urgent need of protection. Some research shows that the taking away the phone, or an imposition of restricted access, has proved beneficial to susceptible individuals.
Stewart MacPherson,
22 Garrell Avenue, Kilsyth.
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