I REFER to the letter, "Spanking is not the answer" (my paper, Dec 12).

Today's children seem to lack discipline, even while at school.

Most do not respect authority figures such as parents, elders and teachers as much as before.

Where schools are concerned, the educators' hands are often tied, and corporal punishment is usually no longer inflicted on children.

However, I advocate the softer approach detailed in the letter.

Parents, especially young couples, tend to spoil their children.

Thus, it is one of the main factors behind children's bad behaviour.

These parents, who are usually well-educated and earn good incomes, tend to be over-protective of their children and blame others when things go wrong.

Parents should not only be good role models for their children, but also discipline them with suitable and effective methods when necessary.

Mr Muhammad Dzul Azhan
Haji Sahban

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