Teachers

In all my career, I and most of my colleagues did our best to prevent bullying.

However, our powers to do anything have been gradually removed.

Before I retired I was told not to write negative comments on reports, not to make negative comments to pupils, as it lowered their selfesteem and not to comment on their bad behaviour, as it only gave them the attention they craved.

I could not touch them as I might be accused of assault or child abuse.

Written punishments were frowned on, as the English teachers were trying hard to persuade pupils that writing is enjoyable. Corporal punishment was banned. Keeping them back after school was punishment for me and often impossible, as they lived a long way off and had to catch school buses.

Exclusion was the holiday they wanted and, anyway, these were often overturned by the local authority.

Teachers are not, nor should be, the guardians of the nation's morals. There is more scope for parents to be held responsible for their children's behaviour. Teachers only see pupils for five-and-a-half hours per day, 180 days of the year.

Parents see them the rest of the time.

Tom Cooper, Durham City.

SO, teachers went on strike recently for the first time since 1987 because they want more pay. If the wages are that bad, why take the job on in the first place?

I wouldn't mind having their wages every week, bearing in mind all the time they get off.

Do everyone a favour, stop whinging.

Stephen Beaton, Darlington.