Loss of authority 'contributing to bad behaviour in schools'

The loss of authority of both teachers and parents is contributing to bad behaviour in British schools, it has been claimed.

Nick Seaton, Secretary of the Campaign for Real Education, said most teachers and parents would agree that pupil behaviour is worsening.

"Girls used to be a modifying influence on boys' behaviour but unfortunately it seems they are getting as bad as the boys over recent years," he commented.

Mr Seaton argued that parents and teachers need to get back the "natural authority" which they have surrendered.

He added that although government measures to improve discipline in schools will help the problem, young people need to have a much closer link in their minds between actions and consequences.

In a recent poll by the Association of Teachers and Lecturers, 56 per cent of education staff said behaviour among both male and female pupils has deteriorated over the last five years.

Posted by Dolcie Thacker
 

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