YES - ALAN HATTON-YEO, DIRECTOR, BETH JOHNSON FOUNDATION
There is reduced contact between young and older people. Because of that, they don't understand each other. Older people are much less tolerant of young people and can behave negatively towards them. The way young people behave nowadays is not the same and older people can misinterpret that as being rude, dismissive and arrogant. Older people make assumptions about the way young people behave. They also forget what it was like when they were young.
NO - SHAUN KELLY, SAFEGUARDING MANAGER, CHILDREN'S CHARITY NCH
Organisations working with children need working practices that protect both children and employees. Concerns about being accused of abuse need to be balanced with the knowledge that strangers are not the only dangers to children. They're more likely to be abused by people they know. The challenge for childcare professionals is to protect children from abuse without reducing their opportunities to access activities.
YES - TIM LOUGHTON MP, SHADOW CHILDREN AND HEALTH MINISTER
It is ironic that in an age when it has never been easier to communicate by mobile phone, internet and text, communication between different generations appears to be more strained than ever. Protection of children is of paramount importance but wrapping them up in cotton wool can drive a wedge between them and adults, which can lead to a lack of understanding and ultimately, mistrust and fear.
YES - LOUISE MACDONALD, DEPUTY CHIEF EXECUTIVE, YOUNG SCOT
The pendulum of protection has now swung too far in the wrong direction. Media hysteria about the safety of children, combined with a more risk-averse society, has created a landscape where young people's opportunities are restricted by regulation. Of course proportionate protection is crucial, but it is currently stifling contact between adults, children and young people.
