The punitive fines that parents would incur for their children's bad behaviour could force disadvantaged families deeper into poverty, claims leading children's charity Barnardo's.

"The new measures will mean that not only will mothers be predominantly affected, as they are the main carers, but that families already in poverty will find them counter productive, as they will be forced into further debt and financial hardship," said Pam Hibbert, Barnardo's Principal Policy and Practice Officer.

"Contrary to parenting orders telling parents to attend classes, most parents are not only grateful for the opportunity for help, but many had approached a number of agencies and received no service, because there was none available, or not received it until it was too late.

"Many social services departments have acknowledged that there have been some major initiatives, but there needs to be help for parents, particularly of adolescents."

She added that some children as young as four and five were starting school with no awareness of what was socially acceptable behaviour.

"It is crucial that parents are given support at significant times, such as at pre-school and as children approach adolescence, as these are two of the most important times of their young lives," said Ms Hibbert.