Unfortunately the lack of discipline in the home and schools...MUCH of which is due to new laws being introduced with regard to childrens rights....there is a fear-factor developing in our society and some people, not just kids, will arm themselves for their own protection.
Robberies, muggings, assaults are all too prevalent, even in schools. Eventually we will develop a gun culture (it has perhaps already started) and to mind mind that will just be another step in the gradual watering down of the countrys' laws and the 'dog eat dog' life draws ever closer. Teach the parents and teach the kids! What is the point of fining a parent if a child misses school or misbehaves? Make children responsible for their own actions when they are of an age to understand right and wrong. When they go to court for mugging an old lady...don't give them a lenient sentence because they come from a poor family and they lost their mother when they were only eleven....Hit them hard with discipline...BOOT CAMP or similar.