SO now the Government is going to fine the parents of children roaming the streets while suspended or expelled from school. Ever tried keeping a teenager, bigger than you, in the house if they are determined to go out?

I lay the blame for all the problems with children these days firmly at the Government's doorstep. It takes away the rights of parents, police and teachers to discipline children, but gives children all sorts of legal rights, then wonders why discipline and respect for elders breaks down and places the blame on parents and teachers.

A short, sharp shock in the early years never did us any harm and we grew up respecting and listening to our elders. These days, all parents can do is bribe their children with "things" hoping that will work, but all it does is create greedy, selfish young people, lacking in respect for anyone or anything, and while adults can make allowances for selfish children, a selfish, destructive adult is not good for society.

The way things are at the moment they will only get worse and fining the parents will only exacerbate things.

Brenda Tingate, Darlington.