I AM so distressed at reading of the terrible things the children of our Island are doing to themselves and to us – violence, vandalism, binge drinking, etc. More and more, and it will get worse, with the latest cases involving a boy of 11 and a girl of 13.

Parents are abusing their children through neglect and children are ruining their lives. I can’t stop this – neither can my neighbour. The only ones who can start the climb out of this dreadful pit are our States Members and they are doing exactly nothing.

In fact, they are aiding and abetting the parents in this downfall. They might just as well go around patting the parents on the back, and handing out bottles of alcohol to the children. The police should arrest States Members and charge them with gross neglect of duty.

They must start naming and shaming the parents and children, making them known to the public. Jail the parents and fine them heavily and put the children in a home for boys and girls for their own safety and ours. Harsh, but harsh methods are now needed.

Again I say to the States, ‘Wake up!’ Take responsibility, make decisions (as only a few of them can) and set an example so that we in Jersey can make our Island a better place. I am sure the serious measures I suggest will reduce the problem within a few years. It will help our police to get job satisfaction, instead of wasting their time. Help our justice system department to make the right decisions. Apart from brains, common sense is sometimes called for.

I would like to say that for years I have believed that, as important as mathematics, history, geography, etc are in schools, far more important for the Education Minister to introduce in schools would be, for one hour a week, a lesson, starting from kindergarten, and going on to primary, junior and senior schools, until leaving, a lesson on social behaviour, respect for your elders, respect for people’s property, manners and the difference between right and wrong that used to be taught years ago at home and in school. I am sure our clever teachers could devise a curriculum to suit all ages.

Imagine what a better Island – maybe world – this would be.