LAST week, we published a front page photograph of three small boys engaging in so-called “bus-surfing”.

It was a shocking illustration of the dangers involved in a new craze which has reached the North-East after leading to the loss of young lives in other parts of the country.

Today, we report how the mother of one of those boys reported her son to the police out of fear for his safety.

Catherine Malone called Darlington Police about her 12-year-old son Marcus because she wanted him to be taught a lesson he would never forget.

In addition, she alerted The Northern Echo to her actions because she wanted the publicity to act as a warning to other parents about the deadly risks children are taking by riding on the back of buses out of a misplaced sense of adventure.

The naming of 12-year-olds who are in trouble with the police is not something we do lightly. But, with the agreement of his mother and the police, we believe it is right to identify Marcus as one of the Darlington bussurfers.

Darlington Police have praised Mrs Malone for taking the unusual step of blowing the whistle on her own son – and we are happy to add to that praise.

Too often, parents fail to take responsibility for their children’s behaviour.

But good parenting will always be at the heart of a progressive society. The police and schools can only do so much – discipline must begin at home.

How many other parents would have done what Mrs Malone has done in naming and shaming her own child? Not many.

It is not an act of betrayal but an act of love – and we hope Marcus has learned an important lesson.