In the public interest?

Recently, I am sure many people are aware of the latest story to hit the news about the 13 year old Alfie Patten becoming a father. Everybody seems to have an opinion on this and it has been discussed at length between classes, friendship groups and families. But is it really in the public interest to know about this?

Some have said that of course it is. This should be a message to other children (which is what this boy is unfortunately, just a child) to demonstrates the implications of having sex before you fully understand the implications or at least the promotion of safe sex. This story could reach out to some who never in a million years thought "just once" could lead to a baby, before his voice has even broken. It could have an impact on the teaching of sexual education. To make younger children understand sex, but should 12 and 13 year olds be exposed to so much information about sex? Are they ready for that, or shoud they still be playing football with their mates?

There is, naturally, the other side of the debate which says that this one incidence should remain a private affair. It is not just the lives of the new mother and father, but also of a tiny baby to consider. There have been governmental figures commenting on this story! It has become huge and so far, this boy has no even been proved to be the father. Surely this is not of public concern. It is not directly impacting on the public at large is it?

Personally, I think this is a heartbreaking story which makes me feel deep sympathy for all involved. I know I, for one, could not have coped with a baby at 15 (the age of the mother) never mind 13. I do not think this is of pulic interest, used as a tool to teach others a lesson because there is so much to consider, mainly the baby.