I think that it seems to be an unfortunate trend that, as kids get older and move away from the 'soft-touch' approach that can be used in lower age-group schools, they become more aware of whether or not their needs are being met academically - even if it's at an almost subconscious level.

Couple this with the fact that an alarming number of schools place priority on National League Tables rather than necessarily striving to help all students reach their potential and it's bound to end up in disruption IMO. Even the least intellectual students aren't blind and can see that, whilst so much emphasis is placed on how many A-grades are attained at A-level and attention is focused on the brighter kids to achieve that end, they are being left out in the cold. At this age, the perception of failure and worthlessness can be incredibly damaging psychologically during their 'developing' years and the only way that they believe they can demonstrate this is to rebel.

If you can't get attention doing something well, you'll get it anyway you can!

Going to a selective grammar school, I no doubt saw the worst examples of this 'academic tiering' generated by the school's own desire to 'look good' at a national level at the expense of some students' education - thankfully, I was also one of the lucky ones like Jim. I think that this is probably a more common problem than many realise and too much blame, albeit justified for the most part, is laid at the feet of the parents but a considerable amount still rests with the schools and unofficial teaching policies.

Since school kids are now becoming more aware of the ever-thinning barriers keeping them disciplined, they are becoming ever-increasingly disruptive and a shortage of good teachers is being seen as a result, afterall, who wants to work in an environment where verbal and physical abuse are ignored and the kids given too much protection against disciplinary measures to the point where school management is scared to side with teachers over problem issues because of the threat of legal action from parents (who were once drop-outs causing these problems themselves)?

It's going to be a tough predicament to turn around as it's already a slippery slope and the complete disregard and ignorance of authority in such a young age-group, amongst so many is certainly something to worry about! Allowing it to continue, however, will only make it worse in the long run and it may become almost irreversible.

What sort of society would that breed?

It's already fast on it's way!

Bring back the cane ASAP!