PARENTS' groups and teachers have attacked the introduction of electronic tagging systems in some nursery schools in Scotland.

Critics of the new security measures, which have already been installed in six nurseries across the Central Belt, claim they are a “panic measure”, and play on the fears of parents and provide no additional safety benefits. Others have also attacked the scheme, claiming it is entirely driven by profit.

However, a spokesman for the system, which costs £90 a month and is similar in design to the electronic tags used to prevent shoplifting in retail clothing outlets, brought additional peace of mind to many parents.

One critic said: "What concerns me is where this will all end. Once we start tagging nursery children, will we consider it acceptable to tag primary or secondary pupils? If children are being looked after properly then this should never be needed."

The tagging system works using radio signals which are transmitted between two posts on either side of the entrance. If a child wearing a tag passes through, an alarm is set off, warning staff that a child has gone through the door.

“Why not take advantage of something which improves safety?" say the inventors.

What do you think?

PROPOSALS to ban smacking of any child under three may be watered down, it was confirmed last month. A spokesman for the Scottish Executive said that, while ministers were committed to introducing a ban, they were flexible about the age at which it would take effect.

There had been speculation over that the Executive was going to soften its stance on smacking after opposition from parents. But an Executive spokesman stressed that Justice Minister Jim Wallace was determined to bring in a smacking ban though he had always had an open mind at the age at which the ban might be introduced.

What do you think?