It seems there is a big debate raging at the moment around youngsters and what they should do when leaving school.

Currently all those under 25 have the right to some form of benefit and it's all too easy for those who are not in education or working to sit back and laze around while the state keeps them.

As your humble servant promenades around the town centre at lunchtimes my good self often sees members of the younger generation hanging around on street corners.

It's obvious they are scroungers living off the welfare state at the expense of those of us who work.

The benefit culture has gripped modern society and I feel there are too many relying on the state to keep them. These days even houses are provided for those without a roof over their head.

It is any right the older generation close to retirement age, like my good self, should have to work longer to prop up the young layabouts? I think not.

So what are the choices for the youngsters if the dole was withdrawn as an option?

Well, they can enter the world of work or go into education.

These days education does not guarantee job indeed it only guarantees debt which can take years to pay off and work is hard to find.

So are there no other options? I think there are.

What about brining back the concept of the Victorian workhouse to provide the young ones with a roof over the head, employment and remove their burden from society?

Of course National Service would keep the young delinquents occupied and given them a chance to serve their Country at the same time.

It would also instil some discipline and the army mentality would maybe wake some of them up.

Perhaps those found guilty of juvenile crime should automatically have to do National Service when they leave school?

Modern society can not be dragged down by the youngsters who should be out there doing something to benefit the older generation who made the modern world possible.

But why are there so many young layabouts?

Maybe the dreadful computer games have created a whole generation who think it's acceptable to sit around at home rather then partaking in meaningful and constructive activities for the benefit of the Country.

One thing is for sure, something needs to be done about the youngsters who think it acceptable to claim benefits.

What do you think?

*Don't forget to read my regular column in this Friday's edition of the printed version of the Bucks Free Press!

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Readers who submit articles must agree to our terms of use. The content is the sole responsibility of the contributor and is unmoderated. But we will react if anything that breaks the rules comes to our attention. If you wish to complain about this article, contact us here