IN light of recent horrifying events, I thought about how it's all affecting our youth.

What happened to poor little Jessica and Holly has left us all traumatised but the long-term effects of such horrific crimes on children worldwide makes parents realise that our job is somewhat more of a challenge then we may have thought.

How do we help youngsters to stay safe, be aware and also become balanced individuals? The reality is this world is not balanced, not safe; at least not all the time.

So all we can do as parents and as human beings is to do our very best.

Our children need love, a listening ear, comfort and lots of good memories to pass on to their children.

Childhood is, sadly, very short and, for some, has been cut tragically far too short by those who, quite frankly, don't deserve to live.

Maria Campbell

Glover Street

Smallwood