Kids with kids

Picture Accreditation: Daniel

So this week we find out that a thirteen year old boy, Alfie Patten has had a baby with his fifteen year old girlfriend Chantelle Steadman. Alright, I can see the ethical issues that go along with this, but isn't more pressure being placed on them through exposure to the media? Yes, they are too young to even consider raising a child but they can't reverse what they did - now they have to live with the consequences. Among others, one ethical issue being raised here is: when should the media step back and leave people alone? When does media involvement become too much? It is obvious that the media have made Alfie Patten reconsider whether he is up to being a dad as it has emerged today that he will be having a DNA test. Contrast this to when the story first broke. Alfie was quoted saying that he would be a good dad and will care for his baby, Maisie. Now, because of persistent questioning of his ability by the media and the public, he is trying a get-out clause by having a DNA test. I believe that the media have delved too far into this story and should now step back and leave the young parents to it. The story has however has also raised the question of sex education in Britain - again. The Government say that children are getting enough but if this was the case, why is teenage pregnancy the highest in Europe and still on the rise? Children need to be taught at a young age the dangers and consequences that can happen if they have unsafe sex. If the Government could get sex education correct (at the right age and the right amount) then maybe cases like Alfie and Chantelle's may become a thing of the past.