A youth leader is poised to spearhead a crusade to scrap Hallowe'en.

Ms Lois Stafford, who runs a Warwick children's programme, said she was fed up with the antics of missile-throwing pranksters.

And she believed she would have a lot of backing for a "ban Hallowe'en'' campaign.

"If our youth are allowed to misbehave on Hallowe'en then I am prepared to get a petition to get rid of this celebration.

"We got rid of Guy Fawkes night because of inappropriate behaviour and certainly this can be done too.

"I encourage all children and teenagers to act in a proper manner on Hallowe'en if they don't want this event to be taken away from them.'' The mother-of-three appealed: "Let's work together Bermuda to save our children.'' Her comments come in the wake of alarm over Hallowe'en vandal attacks on buses.

This week, bus drivers decided to stop making trips after 6.15 p.m. on Tuesday, Hallowe'en night -- a decision strongly criticised by Public Transportation Board director Mr. Herman Basden.

Already buses, however, have been targeted by pranksters. And one of the victims was Ms Stafford's nine-year-old daughter.

She was in a bus in Paget, when an egg sailed through the window, landing in her lap.

Ms Stafford is director of Stars For Jesus, a new programme at Rehoboth Church of God for two to 18-year-olds.

She has now sent out a plea for parents to take responsibility for their children -- over Hallowe'en and at other times.

"I believe the anti-social behaviour amongst our youth originates from the home.

"Children practice what they see. If parents are constantly name-calling, putting children down, cussing and fussing at them, their self-esteem is constantly lowered.

"Children need discipline but they also need to know they are loved by their parents and praised for the good things that they do.

"They need to be respected in order to learn to respect others. Lots of times they do negative things so they can get attention.

"We must listen to them too. They are people and have feelings.'' Ms Stafford, a single parent, believed some of Bermuda's social ills were linked to economic hardship.

"Many mothers like myself have to work to survive, therefore mothers are unable to collect their children from school or be at home to receive them like they used to.'' She added: "Many children today are going home to empty houses with no supervision or are hanging around in town at the bus depot. Yes, there are those who are supervised and may that continue.'' Ms Stafford challenged parents, churches, clubs and politicians to take a leading role in helping to fight Bermuda's youth problems.

"Recently, we had the Moment of Consciousness. We said no to drugs, but we must also say no to everything and anything that is destroying our Island. If not we will chase the tourists and exempt businesses away.

"It is not too late to get a handle on these situations and we must remember that the Moment begins at home and we must let it continue each day.

"Our leaders need to mix more with our young people, get out of their two-piece suits and put on some sweat pants or shorts and a top and play some ball or some other activities.

"They should also make their presence felt in places where young people are, let them know they really care about them.'' Ms Stafford had some advice for churches, clubs and other organisations on Hallowe'en.

"I suggest they offer parties and plenty of food, games and prizes for the best costumes.'' Those churches which did not recognise Hallowe'en, should still lay on parties to try to keep children off the streets, she added.

"Children need positive, fun things to do.'' Ms Stafford said Hallowe'en used to be a night enjoyed by Bermudians.

"I feel that if parents, guardians, school teachers, ministers, youth leaders, politicians and all of those in authority will collectively work together like we used to do and let our youth know that we mean business, this problem and other problems will phase out.

"We cannot be lazy in these problem areas because they are destroying our Island.''