One of the ideas coming out of the london riots is that all 16 year olds should do several weeks of National Service. Originally, National Service meant serving for a little while in the army. However, in this instance it looks as though it will be used to perform civil services in improving the life of their local community.
So is it a good idea, is forcing kids to perform something that will benefit the community, an exercise in futility or will they learn something from it.
Would it be better if they were forced to join the army or carry out longer periods of public service?
What are your thoughts?