SO, the trouble with our youth is down to the teachers of the swinging sixties, according to your letter writers.

As a retired teacher who qualified at the start of that decade, I can say with total honestly, that I don't recall teachers' attire being that as described by your writer.

I began my career at Bangor Street School for boys and girls - the year the school was amalgamated, and five newly qualified teachers were appointed.

I was unaware that any teacher was addressed by his/her Christian name. What I do recall are attempts to discipline and support children. There was Miss Chadwick (senior mistress) who had girls polishing their desks at the end of term. Miss Smith (domestic science) who allowed girls to wash and dry soiled underwear. Miss Hague who insisted on perfect behaviour! Mr Crossley preparing 'work cards' that would interest and motivate learners. These events suggest that in the '60s the demands on teachers went far beyond the curriculum, as is still the case.

It is easy for grandad to make accusations against teachers of the past. He saw one side of the coin. How could children with empty stomachs, unwashed and uncared-for, be willing learners?

Our reader must have been privileged if he can't remember being educated alongside pupils with problems. At Blakey Moor Girls' School in the '50s, the headteacher installed an intercom system in an effort to maintain discipline - talk about 'Big Brother is watching you'

Thirty years on, schools work hard to improve what has gone before. In the '80s, projects were levelled towards parental participation. The turn of the century brought parental training - this includes parents of primary school children who haven't yet reached the 'yob stage'.

So where do we go next - grandparents? The young seem to have a special affinity with the older generation.

Perhaps the golden rule that you were taught might still make some sense: "Do unto others as you would they do unto you."

JEAN TAYLOR (address supplied).