CHILDCARE experts and lawyers have called for a national strategy to tackle violence by and against children.

Their suggestions include a ban on smacking, the abolition of boxing and rigorous policies on bullying.

The call for such a strategy is welcome.

There is concern throughout the country about gangs of youngsters, some not yet even in their teens, who roam the streets leaving a trail of vandalism and violent crime.

Because of the structure of our laws, they are virtually unstoppable.

On the other hand, there is equal concern that one in six children still experiences severe violent punishment and many are beaten with belts and canes.

These figures are produced by the Commission on Children and Violence, set up in the wake of the murder of toddler James Bulger by two 11-year-old boys in 1993 and, if accurate, are to be deplored.

Much of what the Commission says is right. But the formulation of a national strategy on such a complex problem is a massive task.

One of the reasons for the huge increase in juvenile crime is youngsters' complete disregard for authority.

Those of a wayward nature quickly realise that the law has very little power over them until they reach their mid teens.

And most of them have never experienced any discipline.

Parents are encouraged not to use physical punishment and corporal punishment in schools was outlawed years ago.

But there is a world of difference between a quick cuff to demonstrate to a child that bad behaviour will not be tolerated and a sadistic beating.

Parents know that even the most innocent child will, at times, go as far as possible.

When all else has failed a sharp tap can bring him or her back into line.

The Commission calls for a rigorous observation of the evening watershed on TV.

There is little doubt that children do see too much violence on television.

They also have access to violent videos which are probably more of a problem than television programmes.

A ban on boxing could be counter productive. It would merely drive the sport underground where the level of violence, with no proper controls or medical checks, would become horrific.

And even the most lofty Commission cannot change human nature.

We are naturally aggressive animals and have been since the time we came down from the trees.

But there is plenty of food for thought and the news that a national strategy is planned is to be welcomed.

The law makers have got to sit down and think it through.

But they have an enormous task in attempting to achieve a strategy which will protect children from violence and at the same time bring to book youngsters who are out of control.

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