We all know that parenting is a tough job and it's impossible to keep an eye on your teenagers every moment of the day. But that is no excuse for letting them do as they please, on the assumption that they will exercise good judgement or adult sensibilities - which are most often beyond them.

Could there be a link between the redefining - others might call it a weakening - of traditional family values and a general loss of respect for the responsibility that comes with parenting? We seem to have shifted from a place where parents have ultimate responsibility for their children to a place where everyone but the parents is responsible.

And as a culture we seem to be making it more difficult for parents to teach positive values to their kids. If you've seen some of the movies gaining a "15" rating these days, you might ask: how can we expect teenagers, surrounded by so many highly sexualised images, to demonstrate wisdom and self-control when it comes to their sexuality?

What signals are we sending to the next generation about taking responsibility for their sexual behaviour?

Many studies have shown that teenagers have a great propensity for "copycat behaviour", especially when a certain behaviour received a lot of attention. As long as the story of Maisie remains alive, we will see other Alfies and Chantelles.

Some will follow their lead because they think it makes them look adult; some because of the attention it brings. Others may do it because they think there is money to be made - from social services, or media exposure.

In the end, of course, everyone loses - most especially the innocents, like Maisie.