LETTER: Unearthing the roots of society's violence

From Dr Greg Carson

Sir: Sir William Utting is to be commended for suggesting a national, strategic approach to resolving the issue of violence within the UK (report, 9 November). It does appear, however, that the influence of visual media on violent behaviour is given relatively little attention by the Commission on Children and Violence.

We heard only a few days ago about the rape and violence inflicted upon two 12-year-old girls by a 14-year-old boy (report, 7 November). The boy freely admitted that the idea for his action was derived from watching a video. Should Sir William not consider the availability of such material both over the counter and via national television within his strategy for reducing violence?

Yours sincerely,

Greg Carson

Clwyd

9 November