SIR - Regarding the article headlined "Man grabs boy by the neck" (T&A, May 14), 20 or 30 years ago, this incident wouldn't have made it to a newspaper.

I was a child of the 1970s, and if I had sworn in front of another chap's wife, I would have had similar dished out to me.

I am not condoning violence, or abuse, against children, but there is a world of difference between simple chastisement and a severe beating - back then you soon learned not to behave like that again!

This guy ought to be praised, not prosecuted. Many decent people are totally sick and tired of obscene language on a daily basis, especially by children.

As a public servant, I hear this almost everywhere, on a daily basis. In my opinion, there never has been a worse generation of young yobs - a grave mistake was indeed made when they banned the cane in schools As a child I was taught to respect adults, and certainly not to swear or answer back.

It seems parents these days are scared stiff of their children, and the blame lies squarely on their shoulders - my heart goes out to the poor teachers.

Mark Shaun Breen, Bolton Hall Road, Wrose