I WAS appalled to read how fed-up teachers at Worle's Priory Community School say a large contingent of year seven pupils aged around 11 are running riot, fighting and playing truant. I'm sure the reason for today's rising unruly behaviour in schools is t

I WAS appalled to read how fed-up teachers at Worle's Priory Community School say a large contingent of year seven pupils aged around 11 are running riot, fighting and playing truant.I'm sure the reason for today's rising unruly behaviour in schools is the passing of the Act which came into force in August, 1987, and protects all pupils in state-supported education from physical punishment by teachers. Since then we have spared the rod and spoilt the child.Without adequate disciplinary measures it has contributed to both failing standards of behaviour in schools and a rise in crimes by youths outside them.D F COURTNEY - Victoria Park, Weston