I WOULD like to respond to the recent letter from Barnado's regarding bullying.

The only way to end the notion of "bullying" for individual young people is to help them develop effective self-esteem and self-confidence.

In any interaction termed bullying there are two individuals needing guidance.

All children benefit from developing positive relationships, and treating peers with respect.

I struggle with the focus on bullying exclusively towards "identity groups."

Indoctrination by moral programming in primary schools beneath the mask of compassion with the threat of subjective "Hate Speech" legislation is appalling. Who defines hate?

Parents and teachers may be aware of political ideology and so need to pay attention to curriculum changes replacing individualism with collectivism.

Hate speech unfortunately encroaches on free speech.

The focus could be to help all children develop self-respect which subsequently leads to respect for others.

Name and address supplied