PARENTS whose children "rule the classroom" with manipulative behaviour are being encouraged by South Dorset MP Jim Knight to seek support.

A report by the National Union of Teachers revealed that a minority of youngsters threw tantrums, swore and were physically aggressive at home and in the classroom.

And Mr Knight, Minister of State for the Department of Children, Schools and Families, stressed the importance of parents and teachers working together to combat the problem.

"Good parenting is the most important determinate of childhood, in the same way that teaching is for schools," said Mr Knight.

"It is important, therefore, that the two work together.

"The vast majority of parents do a really great job. But where they are struggling, we have to offer them support."

By 2010, every school in England will be an extended school', offering wraparound childcare, homework clubs and extra-curricular activities on the school site or through local providers.

Mr Knight added that "growing commercial pressures" contributed to youngsters' behaviour, after researchers discovered examples of children smashing computer consoles and then pestering their parents for a replacement.

Colin Hawkins, a father-of-two from Verwood, agreed.

He said: "Children obviously want to keep up with their friends, which can cause problems.

"A lot of children in my seven-year-old daughter's class have computer games and, to an extent, some youngsters can end up ruling the classroom."

Karen Bayliss, who was visiting Bournemouth with her two young children, added: "Parents feel under pressure to keep their children happy, but you have to stick to your guns."

Margaret Morrissey of the National Confederation of Parent Teacher Associations said the problem of classroom misbehaviour was "not just about inadequate parents".

She added: "We are putting into reception classes, in many cases, children who are four years and two weeks old. These are, in many parents' eyes, very little children - almost babies."

Angela Cowan, from Bournemouth, said she felt it was important to send her two-year-old son to nursery.

She said: "I think it offers some things you can't get at home, like social interaction with lots of other children."