Letter: The Bulger killing: Church teachingson evil; fears of the British public; family failings

Sir: The murder of little James Bulger is awful beyond belief, but the possible underlying cause is obvious. Children of the ages of the killers are desperately trying to build their own map of reality. They do not only listen to what parents and teachers say, but are also alert to the language of the environment. This, in the form of some video games and other nonsense, is telling them lies about life. The result is appalling inner confusion, which can lead to appalling consequences.

Surely this case is lesson enough for us to treat the minds of children with more respect. It is not only the violence of undesirable video games that is in question, but also the unreality of their message.

Yours faithfully,

JAMES HEMMING

Teddington, Middlesex