THE EDITOR, Sir:

I have noticed that a significant number of schoolboys do not behave. Whereas some schoolgirls 'do wash their dirty clothing in the public', some of the boys have no manners, especially when they are in the presence of adults.

I wonder who are their parents and if they did not teach them manners. They use indecent language at the top of their voices in buses and on the road. Can the Ministry of Education do something to have schoolchildren go home immediately after certain hours, instead of idling at bus parks waiting for 'shotta' buses?

I watch schoolboys regularly climb through bus windows and make the schoolgirls sit in ttheir laps. They love these buses because of the music and they are tinted so they can do their nastiness. Sometimes they even kiss schoolgirls in front of adults.

In earlier days, if a child used a vulgar word in front of an adult, they would apologise. What is happening to the society of today? I have heard schoolboys calling each other boys 'dawgs' saying it's the latest slang. Are these kids human or animals?

The next thing I have noticed is that these boys wear their pants below their waists, and their ears are pierced with two earrings. I would like to know if schools accommodate these schoolboys wearing earrings and with their faces bleached out? Something needs to be done.

Personally, I think the problem is lack of parental guidance. If parents really allow these boys to come out the houses in such a manner without rules and strict regulations, there is no home. That's my opinion.

There should be a time for fun and a time for studying.

Teenagers should not be out on the road at all hours of the night, while their parents are asleep. Boys cannot wear earrings in my house or wear their trousers below their waists. Their faces should not be bleached out.

Can we bring back some of the old traditions?

I am, etc.,

Mark Bell

Harbour Drive

Kingston 17