School discipline is key

FORMER headteacher Barry smith says falling behavioural standards in children are all about the lack of discipline in schools (Mail).

What hope is there for the future of society when teachers are afraid to say no to poor behaviour and want to be friends with pupils. Yes, teachers have to be approachable, but they need to be strong role models, especially in their dress and behaviour.

I taught in primary schools for nearly 40 years, watching a sad decline into apathy and acceptance of the lowest standards.

That included parents who beat a path to the school to complain if their offspring were disciplined.

I knew the writing was on the wall when the new headmaster suggested pupils called him by his first name and said he did not expect them to open doors or treat him in any special way.

Name and address supplied.