I have visited Kirkby a few times, Jim, and had a drink in the 'Molly' (Molyneux pub) and walked along the 'Scotty Road'. It's a tough area, I agree. I think where we are differing is in the bullying department. No-one sane would condone bullying. But lighthearted teasing is not the same. I taught in one of the most deprived areas of Glasgow and the social problems there would make ones hair stand on end. I have also taught in a well-heeled district of Edinburgh, and a rural school in Norfolk, so I suppose I have experience of several different types of catchment area. But the children were much the same in all of them. And if encouraged to whinge about being called a name, they'd have ended up spineless. I'm certain none were 'scarred for life, both physically and mentally'. Of course, violence and 'ganging up' were nipped in the bud pretty smartly. I'm sorry you find the term 'wimp' offensive, I had no intention to offend you.