Letter: Eton tragedy
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sir: I think Ron Sonnet is wrong to attribute the lack of interest and inquiries regarding the "fainting game" that led to the tragic death of Nicholas Taylor to the fact that he was at Eton (letter, 18 March).
While I was at Eton I did not once come across such a "game", and I never heard friends from other schools talking about it. The fact is that at Eton, as at any school, certain individuals participate in various dangerous or illegal activities during their free time. Sometimes this can have tragic consequences, but it is all part and parcel of allowing children to have a reasonable level of autonomy. Of course they can be advised of the dangers, although usually they already know about the risks, but schools would be wrong to interfere excessively in their spare time.
Boys at Eton have their own rooms, and can do pretty much anything in them. Does Mr Sonnet suggest that we make schools into Big Brother environments, with cameras in strategic places? I hope not.
TOM WILSON
Christ's College
Cambridge
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments