Letter: Adult response

Isn't it the case that since Dr Cameron (Letters, 30 March) went to school in the 1950s, children in every decade have matured earlier and earlier? Many years ago it was pointed out that as educational childhood got longer, physical and social childhood was getting shorter and shorter?

Many problems of "respect and discipline" in secondary schools would be dealt with if this contradiction were resolved.

Perhaps the only way forward is to treat teenagers like adults and make fundamental changes. First, all post-16 qualifications would be taken from schools and located in colleges of further education.

Secondly, at 13 all students would be offered options of academic, technical and practical courses until age 16. Then they could choose to continue or not with post-16 education. It seems at present the root problem in schools is a growing number of teenagers don't want to be there.

Ellis Thorpe

Old Chapel Walk

Inverurie, Aberdeenshire