TEACHERS who do not, or cannot, act against those who disrupt a class, bully or abuse others cannot expect respect in return.

If the police and legal system won't, or cannot, take act against troublemakers, or the law sides with the criminals rather than the victim, they cannot expect respect in return. If our political leaders lie, deceive and act in an immoral manner they cannot expect respect from the people.

If people cannot respect those in authority whom they can see, how can those of faith expect these same people to respect the ultimate authority who cannot be seen or its existence proven?

Returning corporal punishment to schools, combined with lessons on moral behaviour, will teach children that actions have consequences.

Teaching children about their culture will give them a sense of identity.

Teaching children what they'll need for the rest of their life, not what they'll need to pass an exam so their school will look good in a league table, will give them what they'll need for a good start in life.

Only when the law sides with the victims and our so-called political leaders start acting in a manner worthy of respect, can respect be given to them.

CT Riley, Spennymoor, Co Durham.