How to explain the lack of guidance in British youth, and rise in lawlessness generally, and the seeming social obedience of youth in China and Korea? Is it a case of free individual will against conformity? Perhaps the penalties on crimes are harder here. There are many cases of leniency in the UK, indeed there are accounts of juvenile delinquents being sent on free travel excursions to broaden their horizons. Some deterrent! Perhaps it is just down to Confucius, whose name and teachings still elicit some admiration today in both Koreans and Chinese that I have asked since beginning this article.

Two and half thousand years ago, he said this, "If the people be led by laws, and uniformity sought to be given them by punishments, they will try to avoid the punishment, but have no sense of shame. If they be led by virtue, and uniformity sought to be given them by the rules of propriety, they will have the sense of shame, and moreover will become good."

It is indeed a shame when children are ingrained with bad manners simply because the parents have no idea about good manners. Like the father at a football match who stands by his son in a crowd shouting racist abuse onto a pitch (another pathetic sight I've witnessed in the UK). If parents are to set an example of propriety for their children, how about the Golden Rule of Confucianism, which is this:

The adept Kung asked, "Is there any one word that could guide a person throughout life?" The Master replied, "How about shu [reciprocity]: Never impose on others what you would not choose for yourself?"

Note 1: A Clockwork Orange-a "future dystopia" novel written by Anthony Burgess depicts a society where the youth have become an out-of-control menace that derives pleasure from violence.

Note 2: Happy Slapping-a violent and unprovoked assault on strangers that is recorded by assailants on video phones to be watched later.

Note 3: Alcopops-nickname for a range of alcoholic beverages, cunningly produced by drinks manufacturers, who saw that they could lure more teenagers to drink distilled spirits if they made it taste like sugar and fruit based soft drinks.

The author lives and works in Beijing