Are you teaching on the frontline?

If we are to believe Home Secretary Jacqui Smith, then juvenile delinquency has spiralled out of control and the battleground is not only the streets, but inside the school gates.

The classroom has apparently become such a dangerous environment that hundreds of schools are to install airport-style metal detectors in a bid to stop pupils carrying weapons and reduce knife crime.

Such security measures are to be introduced in areas of London, Liverpool, Manchester and Birmingham where gang violence is a major problem. The hope is that searching students on entry will show that knives will not be tolerated, and support those not carrying knives.

In the current political climate these measures seem like sensible precautions, we must do something about the feral teenagers who are terrorising communities around the country.

But isn’t this admitting that society and the education system have failed. Shouldn’t we be supporting these young people and giving them other options?

School should not become fortresses where children are assumed to be trainee-criminals. Schools should continue to be a safe environment where they can concentrate on learning and access supportive and inspirational adults. This is equally important in all areas of the country, from leafy suburb to run-down estate.

There is no denying that the number of fatal incidents involving teenagers and knives is shocking. We must challenge gang culture and carrying knives. As soon as young people get involved they become a danger to themselves and their peers.

However, this must be an issue for everyone. Teachers are in school to teach. They can offer guidance, support and inspiration, but they must not be expected to add pseudo-police officer/custom official to their long list of responsibilities.