REGARDING the NSPCC campaign report (Bolton Evening News, May 21) -- "If smacking works, why do you have to keep doing it?" If a child has difficulty understanding a particular subject, do you stop teaching them? When the cane and corporal punishment ended and civil rights/liberties began, we saw the end of sanity and the beginning of torment for the timid and less able. The current young criminals are the product of those punishment-free generations, having no idea what punishment means except that which they dish out -- who taught them?

Some parents see no problem using their children to abuse and neglect, they were taught no better, no discipline, morality, patience or respect. The NSPCC says use alternative ways, give praise and encouragement. Very sensible. What do they say to these parents who do encourage their children to do wrong, or those who could not care less what their children get up to? Their research concludes many support their views, not surprising as they surveyed those who grew up in a no-punishment era. Compare the '50s/'60s or earlier with the '90s and now -- court appearances, OAP attacks, truancy, under age pregnancies, vandalism etc, unfortunately comparing like with like is not in their interests. "If you don't want your children to hit others, don't smack them". If you believe that, then the moon is made of green cheese.

I phoned the education department and spoke to the Assistant Director. I asked if they did anything to make children aware of what appears in the Bolton Evening News and TV news regarding violence by children. He said -- "it was not their job to tell schools what to do!", "it is up to the police".

When it comes to protecting children, how come we see so many neglected and killed? Could it be that we have no real deterrent? The notion that punishment teaches violence is nonsense, were it true with the ending of punishment, all children should now be angels. Finally, to the NSPCC -- go into the classrooms, convince those who commit the violence before you shout everyone else down. Protect the vulnerable, not the thugs.

G Pollitt

Towers Avenue

Deane, Bolton