ALMOST every child is affected by bullying and is growing up in a society that sees violence as "the norm". This quote is attributed to the children's commissioner in the press.

I think the violence in our society is something the government must tackle as a priority.

I am sure I am not in a minority in noticing a definite decline in the attitude of youngsters when it comes to respecting common decency and good manners towards one another.

All acts of violence must incur a punishment that reflects the ideals of the vast majority of our society - if this means Draconian measures, so be it.

Severe penalties will let youngsters understand that behaviour that threatens the confidence of old and young alike to go about their business will not be tolerated.

We must set our stall out NOW and act to stop this escalation of the degeneration of society.

To pre-empt any criticising that I am targeting all youngsters, I know that the majority of them are law-abiding people, but it's the few bad apples that cause the damage and must be rooted out.

The softly softly approach is not working it is time for a rethink.

I am sure many readers have accounts of the good deeds and manners of young people, but the reverse is also true. It is these that we should address.

Let us start the ball rolling and build a society that can walk the streets without fear. The youngsters of this generation are the foundation of the next. Let's not forget this.

David Hough

Paderborn Court

Bolton