Who of us, having been to school, does not remember loathing any schoolmate who appeared to tell on the rest of us?

Having said that, we know, too, that we are living, increasingly, in a country where violence, whether physical or via social media, has become the norm. It took just one order, from one teacher, to light the fuse. It took just one little lad, too young to realise the possible horrible consequences of his carrying out this order, to ensure the reaction from a group of young thugs.

The teachers are in our schools, especially in the lower grades, not only to teach, but also to guide, nurture and protect.

This seven-year-old failed to receive that protection. He was thrust into the classroom spotlight by being placed in the position of a monitor or police officer.

Yes, the perpetrators are guilty and so, by association, are their parents and society.

But the buck stops in that classroom: with the teacher.