Stab-proof vest horror
WE ARE told that crime is falling and yet increasing numbers of teachers are buying stab-proof vests fearing attack by violent pupils.
And it is not just older children who are the problem. Pupils as young as five have attacked school staff and 37,790 youngsters were temporarily suspended from state primary schools in England.
Teachers' union NASUWT is concerned that the Education Act which allows pupils to be searched by teachers without a witness present makes teaching staff more vulnerable and nervous of attack.
But this is a mere detail and not the whole story. The fact is that more and more British children are brought up in chaotic homes where there is no respect for adults and where violence is a way of life.
It is simply horrific.