Teachers should be allowed to be tougher when it comes to classroom discipline, according to a survey.

A poll, commissioned by the Times Education Supplement (U.K), of more than 2,000 parents revealed that 49 per cent of them wanted to see a return to the days when smacking and caning were allowed in schools.

And, unexpectedly 20 per cent of secondary school children agreed with them.

Sending children out of the class was the most popular method of dealing with indiscipline, chosen by 89% of parents and 79% of children. Other popular ways of cracking down on bad behaviour were lunchtime or after school detentions and writing lines.

TES editor Gerard Kelly said: “These results show that parents want today’s teachers to have more authority in the classroom. It’s not about making school life miserable but about showing children that sanctions will be enforced and that their actions will have consequences.”

The survey comes just a week after Prime Minister David Cameron pledged to restore order and respect in schools. In a speech he warned that parents must take responsibility for their child’s behaviour and that those whose children constantly play truant could see their benefits cut.