Time for drastic action to curb teens

LETTER - I write with regard to the heated letters printed about and by young people and their parents.

The person who first wrote condemning teenagers' bad behaviour may, very likely, not have encountered any of the "good" kind.

However, it must be accepted that we have a major national crisis on our hands. Every day the news is of muggings, stabbings, shootings and general horrific matters, such as drugs and cruelty to animals; all involving the young people who, sadly, have gone badly astray.

Some may have come from good homes, but have got into the wrong company.

We have now, growing up, a generation of youngsters who are the offspring of folk in the 70s, when many were allowed free range to do just what they wanted.

Teenagers are bombarded with violent images on TV, in videos and video games. They are encouraged to drink and smoke to achieve their adrenaline rushes.

I have been very frightened and intimidated by totally out-of-control young people many times myself, and it is very worrying and widespread.

Some children can almost be seen as timebombs waiting to explode when they fall in with the wrong crowd and start getting into trouble.

As far as I can see, the gross situation has escalated almost beyond all hope. There is too much complacency.

We need some form of drastic action to be taken immediately.

Maybe the "perfect" youngsters and their proud parents and grandparents have some suggestions as to what urgent steps can be taken, for our sakes, for their own sakes and the sake of future generations.

DMS Nightingale, Craven Arms