As one who has been a teacher for many years I take my hat off to guest JTT and the comments about self respect..you are bang on. I hope we do get it back. I also think that many modern parents have a great deal to answer for. Stop running interference for your children, allow them to accept responsibility for actions. Do not support them out of guilt..if you are not being a full time parent..don't decide to be a parent only when there is a crisis. Stop insisting that schools and society do your job for you.
Schools need to be able to educate children, those who oppose, interfere or diminish that should not be allowed to attend. Schools need to lower tolerance for bad behaviour and they need to give teachers the proper support that allows them to teach. Schools are not substitute parents...let's get a grip.