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Daisy chain shocker puts kids at risk

John Fahey
9/ 6/2005

YOUNGSTERS in Hyndburn are risking their health by taking part in group sex sessions known as "daisy chaining" according to a worried vicar.

The Rev Steve Lees, vicar of St John's Church in Baxenden, was so alarmed by the promiscuous teenagers' antics he wrote about the subject in his parish magazine.

Responding to an article in the Royal College of Nursing magazine that reported teens having sex in large groups, he wrote: "Only recently I have talked with young people in Accrington who would confirm this all rings very true in their experience.

"Young people in our society are under the cosh, and I for one am deeply grateful to those adults who put the time in with our children and young people in Kidz Church and our youth cells to help them to understand what a relationship with God can mean."

Speaking to the Observer, the vicar said that youngsters were resorting to "daisy chaining" to comply with peer pressure and make friends.

He said: "The boundaries of who you have a relationship with are not as clear as they used to be. Young people have quite a tough time making decisions abot how important their bodies are and what you have to do to make friends. I think the problems are largely fuelled by alcohol.

"Here, we're trying to provide an alternative answer, to express the view that God values everyone and added value can be brought to our lives through God."

Liz Allan, chairman of the Royal College of Nursing schools forum, told a recent conference that some children often felt pressured to provide sexual favours as part of a gang culture.