FURTHER to your headlines "Sex disease increase/Teen contraception shock" (The Press, July 10).

No surprise there! Our politicians, culture, media and business have cynically exploited and brutalised our pre-pubescent youth and the teenagers of today and left parents with an almost impossible task.

The young have lost the joys of childhood and innocence.

Sexual education which cannot help but encourage the young and inquiring mind to explore and practise sexual behaviour and the handing out of contraceptives like sweets will not resolve the problems. What about teaching the young abstinence, saying no, having respect for yourself and the other person.

Every person on the planet is aware that the sexual urge is the strongest emotion of any human being and can be used for good or bad.

For the young to be taught that sex is just a gratification of a normal appetite like feeling hungry, and must be satisfied as and when required, is both irresponsible and (an abhorrent word in the 21st century) morally wrong.

What about love? Respect? Commitment? We have all been children, young, vulnerable, impressionable. Surely it is our duty and responsibility to educate and inform our young people of the dynamics of sexuality and the responsibility which goes with it, and encourage a morality and (another abhorrent word of the 21st century) chastity.

For all those who profess to care and be concerned about the sexuality of our young people today, I would say put your own house in order.

Mr J Hudson, Fairway, Rawcliffe Lane, York.