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THEY MAY LOOK like little angels in their pint-sized uniforms, but an increase in bad behaviour among primary school pupils – including the very youngest children – is causing havoc in some classrooms.

Teachers are reporting instances of yelling, screaming, abusive language and violence from children barely old enough to write their own name. While only a minority of pupils resort to these levels of aggression, the impact of their behaviour is felt not only by the teacher but by the whole class. It disrupts learning and leaves many youngsters – sometimes including the instigators themselves – distraught and confused.