The campaign to extend the voting age to 16 does not appear to recognise reality. We say that, aware of the fact that many 16-or 17-year-olds may be interested in politics. However, in law, they are all still children until they are 18. For these reasons, the Irish Association of Social Care Workers (IASCW) has decided to oppose this move. Such a move contradicts the view, so often expressed by child advocacy groups (IASCW included), that children should be allowed to be children.

We live in a globalised and media-driven world – a world which is quickly and quietly eroding the concept of childhood. Extending voting rights to 16-year-olds may be well intentioned, but it is a flawed suggestion. What it contributes to is a rush into the 'adultification' of children.

Noel Howard,

PRO, IASCW