An interesting question was raised the other day. A member of one of our youth organisations arrived at the Church without a cycle helmet. The child was advised that a helmet must be worn in future. It was then pointed out by one of the parents of the child that it is not law to wear a cycle helmet and therefore we should not require the child to wear one to attend the church activity.
Obviously it makes sense to wear a helmet but to what extent is it an infringement of personal liberty to make it a condition of attending a youth event?
It seems to me that since the wearing of seat belts in a car is compulsory for children and one is much more vulnerable on a bicycle then organisers of youth events have a duty of care towards those attending and therefore requiring helmets to be worn as a condition of attending is the responsible thing to do.
Are there any other points of view?
Musings from a Church Mouse 