From Cedric Lynch, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, UK
Not only is education lacking in practical material, as Redman notes, but in the European Union and North America there are ever-increasing restrictions on hobbies. These are based on fears stemming from rare, but heavily reported, incidents of children misusing tools or materials.
In the 60s and early 70s, when I was young, I learned a lot by making model aircraft and boats, mostly of my own design. Now nobody under 18 is allowed to buy many of the materials and tools needed for these hobbies, or for others with learning potential.
If buying things online supplants shops, it may become difficult for young people to buy anything at all.
Worldwide, the situation is not hopeless yet. Many towns in India have shops where anyone can buy almost anything, and nobody is worried about your age.
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