Why is it just not possible to take school children out on trips safely, without any problems arising?

Recently returning from an entertaining maths show with two classes of children (approximately 60), waiting at a bus stop, we found ourselves being pelted with stones.

They were older youths on bicycles, spitting, swearing and throwing stinging nettles in each other's faces. Nobody was seriously injured, but there could have been fatal consequences.

On another occasion, I, along with many other parents, were supporting our children with their classmates on their annual sports day. Waiting in the park for the school bus to return to collect the children, they were having a run around together, generally having fun.

They were suddenly approached by gypsy children who started hurling apples at them and shouting at them to go home. Is society finally out of control?

-Christine Gurr, Jevington Drive, Brighton