There would be an argument in favour of the use of isolation rooms or cubicles for troublesome young people in school if there was any evidence that they worked (Alarm as more schools use ‘degrading’ isolation booths, 18 January). If strategies used by teachers and schools were evidence-based we would have much happier schools, teachers, pupils and parents. I believe that there are underlying issues that need to be addressed before we adopt the widespread use of isolation booths. So many children need this isolation, but it needs to be treated as a privilege, not a punishment. John MarkingForest Row, East Sussex• The use of crude responses to behaviour in schools such as isolation booths demonstrates the dearth of expertise of those who use them.

Source: The Guardian January 19, 2020 17:03 UTC