The theme of this year’s seminar, under the chairmanship of Helen Fenech, was Fl-interess tat-tfal (In our children’s interest).

Speakers included recently-appointed Children’s Commissioner Sonia Camilleri, child psychiatrist Roberta Zahra de Domenico and Dr Elaine Ellul. Social services ministry parliamentary secretary Dolores Cristina was also present and delivered a short speech.

The panel covered subjects such as children’s rights, duties and needs. The problem of child abuse, separation of parents, amenities for the disabled, education, nutrition and leisure were all discussed in detail. Mrs Camilleri said the Children’s Commissioner is duty bound to evaluate what is happening in our society today. She is there to protect children’s rights, their ideas and wishes and also to put forward suggestions to improve the law on children.

Dr Ellul said it is the parents’ responsibility to provide a home, education and everything their children need at least up to the age of 18 and when they fail in these duties, they should be deprived of their responsibilities.

Ms de Domenico stated that in this day and age children are suffering from stress because of the pressures on them. New technologies, such as the use of the Internet, are recommended but parents are obliged to supervise how they are being used. Obviously children hate rules. but it is imperative for them to know that these are in their own interest. Parents should help their children to create self-esteem and should also find time to help them in any way, in a familiar atmosphere.

After a short coffee break, a group of students from the Sacred Heart Convent gave their views on what had been discussed. The panel also answered questions from the participants.

The Children’s Commissioner invited those present to contact her at the Social Policy Ministry (telephone: 2590-3220 or 179) if they need any help.