Madam, - In response to Denis Staunton's letter (Nov 6th), I would like to pose the question: should our fears of becoming a "Clockwork Orange" society not prompt us to focus on preventive measures rather than the eroding of civil liberties? The harmful effects of violent media images upon the developing minds of children are well established, while recent anecdotal evidence (You Tube etc) has been a dramatic wake-up call for some.
We should be concerned about the media environment which we have imposed upon our children, and its harmful psychological and behavioural effects.
The "air" which children are forced to breathe today is toxic, and any genuine concern for children's welfare will not fail to address this reality.
Clearly defined rules, eliminating the harmful exposure of children to media violence and pornography, are demanded by a society which truly values children's rights.
If we fail to uphold children's right to a safe media environment, what sort of future "Clockwork Orange" society are we to expect?
Can we be surprised when the visual imprints of the media violence and pornography we have bombarded them with are reflected back at us in anti-social behaviour. Let's have "clean airwaves". - Yours, etc,
DONAL O'SULLIVAN,
National Executive Committee,
Family and Media Association, Newtownpark Ave,
Co Dublin .