Children and camera phones

Madam, - I write in relation to the report in your edition of February 10th concerning the use of a camera phone at Nenagh swimming…

Madam, - I write in relation to the report in your edition of February 10th concerning the use of a camera phone at Nenagh swimming pool by a 12-year-old girl. My questions are these. Firstly, what is a 12-year-old girl doing with a camera phone? Secondly, where is the legislation governing the use of these phones?

The recent case concerning a pornographic photograph of a schoolgirl that was sent to camera users throughout the country surely shows the urgent need for legislation to be brought in immediately. I believe these camera phones should not be sold or given to people under 16 or 18 years of age. They are obviously not mature enough to use them responsibly, as these two incidents clearly show. How many more unsavoury photographs that we don't know about are circulating?

I didn't have a mobile phone until I was 18 and I managed very well without one until then. I am a young person too, and I am certainly not a prude, but I do feel that a line must be drawn somewhere. Phones are not toys and parents need to be aware of that. - Yours, etc.,

JILLIAN MORKAN, Nenagh, Co Tipperary.