WHAT a breath of fresh air it was to read Elizabeth Lewis' article "Teenagers rights to choose to say no!" (August 23), my sentiments exactly!

Too much pressure is put upon our younger generation, not only by their peers but also so-called "adult" editors of teen magazines, and writers of our innumerable soaps, to date and mate.

Even the innocent comment of a grandparent "Have you got a girlfriend yet?" to a young child can mould them into thinking they're odd if they've not.

As Ms Lewis comments, isn't it better for our teenagers that they mix with both genders having fun watching a video, ice skating, bowling, or even just simply taking a walk in the countryside, instead of constantly feeling pressured to pair off and enter into sexual relationships before they mature.This is true freedom for young people -- freedom from sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancies, freedom from the trauma of abortion, and freedom from simply being used!

J Long

Old Barn Place

Bromley Cross, Bolton