CELLPHONES LEADING TO UNHEALTHY YOUTH

This refers to the article ‘Reconciling a child’s right to privacy and autonomy’ (Dec 19). Of course, there is a need to protect children’s right to digital privacy. But as a parent, I feel there is an equal need to prevent the children from being addicted to the net. In the name of privacy, let it not be a free-for-all situation. Children are spending more time on their smart phones for ‘pleasure’ rather than seeking useful information. Juvenile crimes are increasing because of easy access to negativity and thrills on the social media. Hence, the parents should have every right to check on their adolescent children against the misuse of their cell phones. Let an asset not become a liability, leading to unhealthy youth.

Colonel RD Singh (retd), their misconceived display as if these were absolute. This leads to instances such as animal rights of a dog overriding human rights of its bite-victim; parliamentary rights of some members disrupting the House proceedings, negating those of other members wanting to work in congenial environment; democratic right of holding protests (often planted and turning violent) undoing rights of the common man and policemen; rights of a criminal eclipsing those of victim; and sacrificing justice over expediting trial and punishment. Procedural wrangles too play spoilsport. Only the wearer knows where the shoe pinches. The onus lies on the Supreme Court and Parliament to draw the line.

Lalit Bharadwaj,

Panchkula