Regarding the comments on education in the column by Stephen Lewis (Don't blame bullying on Maggie, April 15), for a long time I have felt human rights legislation caused much of this freedom from discipline from authorities such as teachers, and the police.

Now youngsters know that they can't be reprimanded as before.

Don't blame teachers. On the whole, they cope very well under difficult circumstances. Blame governments which make idealistic rules...but alas, society is not ideal.

Joy Crawshaw,

Hempland Ave,

York.

Updated: 10:14 Thursday, April 22, 2004