The authorities seem to be waking up to the fact that children in Malta are being abused of in more ways than one. The authorities are promising the much-needed amendments to the legislature. In this way they would at least be promoting children's basic right – the right to a safe and healthy childhood, cared for by responsible adults.

Many amendments and new laws need to be enacted to be in line with the international instrument (convention) signed by this government way back in November 1990.

Proper legislature would mean that children will know and understand the difference between a child and an adult. According to international norms and practices, children are those persons who have not reached 18 years of age.

In Malta this is not the case. Instead, as the law stands today, 16-year-olds can legally get married and at 16, they are legally allowed to buy and drink alcohol. Children in Malta are allowed to roam entertainment places meant for adults, at all times of the day and night.

These practices are causing much physical and emotional harm to our children. In this environment, children can easily find irresponsible adults introducing them to sex and to do drugs.

These practices are in stark contrast with long established laws and practices adopted by most developed countries. These countries have seen fit to enact stiff laws to protect the best interest of their children.

We parents must voice our deep concern about harmful situations for our children. We need to voice our concern publicly and put pressure on the government to change the law in the best interest of our children.

If we care about our children we must insist on changing the law. The law should clearly state that a child is that person who has not reached 18 years of age.

This should be the age when they can get legally married; and the age when they are allowed to buy and drink alcohol.

Also, no child, Maltese or otherwise, would be allowed in entertainment places meant for adults.

If you want to join our pressure group please write to 193, St Angelo Street, Zejtun ZTN06.

Miriam Cassar

FDAT-Malta

(Foundation for the Rights of Adoloscents and Children)