I have a son at Lincoln Middle School, and what I have seen and been told second hand, I'm shocked. Instead of warning our children not to speak to strangers, we are now telling our kids to get to class without delay. Another problem I feel is that we as parents have taken all authority away from our school system. Parents want the best for their kids, and I believe our teachers also share in that wish. We are going to have to start supporting each other.
Some children receive no other guidance but for what they get at school.
Some have no family life. About four years ago I learned about the requirement of a witness at hand when a principal has to paddle a little one. Also parents can be called to pick up their children without punishment at school. Again, we're not letting our kids learn respect for their principal or teacher. We come and baby them and don't let them learn to handle a mess that they created.