THE idea that doctors want to see a relaxation of the rules governing the issuing of contraception to young girls, may provoke concern among some sections of our community.

Easier access to contraception would only encourage more youngsters to explore their sexuality, and at an earlier age too, they would argue.

And that, they say, would be both bad for the youngsters concerned and bad for society.

Nonetheless, the inescapable fact is that Worcester is a city which, in the words of Dr Richard Whitmore, chairman of its Primary Care Group, "has a significant problem with underage pregnancies".

And that means action has to be taken to provide help for our youngsters, particularly when they are being bombarded with more and more provocative images than ever before.

Clearly, it's no longer enough for parents to tell their offspring "just say no" - a process of education is vital.

Contraception, obviously, has its role to play and sex education, counselling and a greater awareness of social and health issues will be crucial in reducing the number of teenage pregnancies.

But, as we have reflected before, perhaps the key aim for health workers is to raise the self-esteem of those girls who are most at risk of becoming teenage mums.

They need to be aware that the choices they make every day should be based on who they are - and their potential - not on who they'd like to be like.

Let's face it, some of the so-called role models for our young people leave much to be desired themselves.