Madam, - In last Saturday's Weekend Review Marie Murray outlined her concerns about the effects of 21st-century culture on children. She mentioned the rise of childhood obesity, the current tendency to be "physically over- protective" of children and the danger that technology could reduce children to "passive recipients of prefabricated fantasy".
I am 24 years old and have been scouting for the past 14 years, initially as a cub scout, later as a scout and venture scout, and currently as a cub scout leader. Cub scouts is for children aged eight to 11. Weekly meetings are held in a local hall and there are monthly activities such as camping, hostelling and hikes. These activities give children the space to run around, have fun and invent their own games. Scouting is a non-competitive activity and is an ideal opportunity for children to enjoy the benefits of fresh air and exercise without being compelled to excel.
In an age with many problems, including childhood depression, and an over-dependence on sedentary entertainments, for children, scouting can provide a small part of the solution. - Yours, etc,
KATHERINE CURRAN,
Killiney,
Co Dublin.