The Editor, Sir:

As a teacher I was flabbergasted and a bit peeved at the recommendation made by the president of the National Parent-Teacher Associa-tion, Sylvester Anderson, that teachers be given the authority to search students. My annoyance stems from three main correlated factors.

First, what is the responsibility of parents in this debacle? Parents should be more vigilant of their children's actions and well-being.

Parents have a duty and a responsibility to demand from their children disclosure of their activities, and this entails searching their children before they leave their homes. Vigilance should begin with parents! At best, having students being searched by teachers is just another means of passing the buck. The time for passivity from parents is long gone.

Added responsibility

Second, I cannot recall where it is in a teacher's job description to assume the role of police officers and security guards. It is unthinkable that teachers should undertake such a role as they do not have the means of protecting themselves from the unforeseen dangers of searching students.

Additionally, one must ask: with this added responsibility, where is a teacher to find time to execute the duties for which they are to be made accountable - that of educating the students?

Third, searching students demands physical contact. Teachers (both male and female) should not be placed in a position where they could be accused of inappropriate contact.

This task of searching students should be left to paid professionals who are adequately trained and who possess the resources to do so.

I am, etc.,

B. GAYLE

Manchester