Resources: Talking point - What do young people think of nannystates?

Talk to young people about the phrase "nanny state". It is used to criticise government attempts to look after people's health through measures such as reducing alcohol intake, smoking or dangerous activities. How do young people react generally to this?

Adolescence is a time of transition from dependent childhood to independent adulthood. When young people are working out who they want to be, is it helpful to have someone setting guidelines and making recommendations?

Or do they resent outsiders telling them what is good for them?

Talk about the wider implications of unhealthy activities. Smoking and overeating affect individuals as well as the people around them. Ask young people to think about the impact on others. Do parents have a responsibility not to smoke for the sake of their children? Should people who have contracted diabetes because they are overweight get the same free health services as those who have a medical problem they couldn't do anything about? How far should we be guided by our impact on our family, friends and the wider community?