"I've been intimidated by a group of year 11 pupils, I've had a torrent of abuse and, on one occasion, I've even asked to hide in an office because a child had come in with a knife, looking for me."

These are the words of a UK teacher telling what it's like in some "learning establishments" today.

I wouldn't want to be a school teacher for any money. Of course, this is not the reality in the majority of schools, but it is in a growing number – those, no doubt, who have to contend with a large number of the Ds and Es of society.

Last week's Worthing Herald graphically highlighted young people out of control, the worst example being the story of the Durrington family whose home was trashed by 50 gate-crashing teenagers.

Their daughter, 15, was left in charge of the home with a couple of other youngsters there for a sleep-over, while her parents went to London for the night.

The marauding teenagers had ransacked the home, causing £5,000 damage. The family dog was given drugs and there were drugs found all over the house.

A sad, sorry tale. There was another a few pages further, telling of stupid vandals ransacking allotments at West Tarring.

Down the generations teenagers have always done stupid things – after all, it's all part of growing up. But it does seem worse today.

In the past, teachers could use a cane or the slipper to control a class. Try it now and the teacher would be in court for assault the next day – and the kids know it.

It's the same for parents – smack a child the do-gooders think is a little too hard and you've got the police and child welfare all over you.

I remember my parents threatening me with "if you do anything wrong you'll be taken away and could go to an approved school or borstal."

I had visions of some terrible places – something like a living hell.

What's the threat to unruly teenagers today? Community service? A pat on the head and told not to do it again? Jail – where life might be better than that at home?

The majority of teenagers, like past generations, do behave, work hard, and will make responsible adults. It's the kids from dysfunctional parents that cause most of the trouble.

Perhaps the time isn't far away when people have to take and pass an exam before breeding.