[WillowTheWhisp]

I have experience of trying to teach 11 year olds and I certainly wouldn't like to do it on a full-time basis. I wouldn't have dared to give cheek the way they do these days. I often feel like I'm talking to a brick wall.

As has been stated previously on this forum/message board those of us whose schooling was presided over by Mabel B Horne wouldn't have dared answer her back. The very threat of being sent to see her was enough to make us quake at the knees. There may have been a fair bit of bravado behind her back but none of it to her face.

I think authority collapsed when it was no longer permissable to punish children. At one time a cuff round the ear from a Bobby on the beat was all it took to deter a would be delinquent but now of course the policeman would be charged with assault.

Try to defend yourself and suddenly you become the assailant.

I do believe a large majority of young people today have no respect for anyone. That doesn't mean they are all the same. I have come across some very polite and helpful young people and hopefully I try to bring my own children up to behave in a manner I consider correct and desirable. Unfortunately it isn't easy. It isn't helped either when teachers no longer command the authority they once did.

I don't see that there's an answer to it and I dread to think what that means for the future. Will it get worse? I sincerely hope not.