Every point made by Liz Edge at the end of her letter in explanation of the behaviour and attitude of children is true.

However, some of the assumptions she makes are not. For instance, she talks about groups of teenagers on street corners "doing what past generations have done since time immemorial".

No, Liz, children of former generations recognised authority, and seldom caused mayhem to their neighbours or regularly carried dangerous weapons.

A reprimand from the police or a teacher was obeyed and there was no suggestion of being able to get away with early criminal activities. Of course, there was the odd "bad 'un" who was often hauled before the magistrates, but the present nationwide violent behaviour certainly never existed. Groups of youngsters nowadays are viewed with suspicion, and with good reason.

Vandalism and foul language, shoplifting, especially from small shops, was never so rife, nor so easy to avoid punishment for.

Where I live I am surrounded by young families with children from primary school age to teenagers: without exception all these children are well-behaved, friendly, helpful, well-spoken and altogether good citizens in the making and doing well at school.

The reason? They all have decent mothers and fathers who ensure their sons and daughters learn by their example so, naturally, they do.

Perhaps the children who are frowned on are more to be pitied than criticised, but unfortunately the critics do have every excuse for their condemnation.

I congratulate the children who have won good grades in recent exams and got their feet firmly on the path to deserved success.

I could not aspire to even understand some of the subjects with which they have to cope.

Heather Causnett

Escrick Park Gardens,

Escrick, York.

Updated: 11:21 Wednesday, September 08, 2004