Silence the Violence
Violence is a harsh reality of life in America. Everyday we are jolted by senseless acts of violence. An epidemic of mass murders committed by children have horrified us. We are terribly aware of the massacres at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado, the killings at Heath High School in Paducah, KY and the slaughter at the junior high school in Jonesboro, Arkansas. Closer to home, we were stunned when a youth from Grayson County was accused of killing his parents. Boys are becoming murderers. Children are killing children. The questions that are uppermost in our minds are "Why is this happening?" and "What can I do to protect my child?"
Parents play an important role in preventing violence by raising children in safe loving homes. It is crucial that you supervise your children. Insist on knowing where your children are and whom they are with. Encourage your children to participate in activities at school such as team sports and school competitions. Encourage involvement in church youth groups. Teach your children to handle their emotions without resorting to aggression. Parents should remember to set a good example. Striking or spanking a child teaches that hitting is O.K. Punish them with time out or loss of privileges instead and be consistent with discipline. Teach children to solve problems with calm words not fist fights.
Teach your children about the danger of guns. If you have a child in your home you should not have a gun in your home. The New England Journal of Medicine reports that a gun kept in the home is 43 times more likely to kill friends or family members than it is to be used to kill an intruder. 50% of children who are accidentally shot are shot in their homes. If you feel you must have a gun at home keep it unloaded and lock it up separately from the bullets. If a gun is available it is very easy for a child or teenager to find it, load it and use it. In 1990 more U.S. teens died from firearm related injuries than from all natural diseases combined. The U.S. Justice Department estimates that more than 100,00 children take guns to school everyday.