I WAS shocked to read how children as young as five are taking weapons into school (Echo, May 12).

Regardless of whether the example is a sinkhole estate or a mansion, there remains a basic truth. Manners, tolerance and respect toward others are all values taught within the home.

If your child ends up as a spoiled brat who is intolerant toward and disrespectful of others, who thinks stealing, lying, vandalism, violence, drugs and other criminal behaviour are all perfectly acceptable, then the blame is with you and no one else.

CT Riley, Spennymoor