I think tha Parents of badly behaved children should receive counselling on how to be more responsible parents, instead of sending the kids off to counselling all the time. Kids learn by example, and if they see their parents behaving irresponsibly, what hope have they got.

Parents are primarily responsible for looking after their kids, but because schools, and the police are no longer allowed to play a part in teaching children the simple rule of- you're not going to get away with it. Plus the do-gooders of the world saying shame on you for smacking your child as a last resort, a lot of parents go for the easy life and let their kids get away with all sorts! God forebid that you should tell someone elses child off, as you will then only encourage their parent(s) to come knocking on your door, with all sorts of blinding language infront of your child, mouthing off about how dare you tell their son/daughter off. Someone already said it: children learn by example.