NCJ Number
189338
Journal
Communique Dated: Spring 1999 Pages: 1-5
Date Published
1999
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article identifies the causes of violence, particularly gun violence, among children and youth and suggests ways to counter this epidemic.
Abstract
A combination of factors has contributed to an epidemic of children killing children. Factors include the availability of too many guns, the media's glorification of violence, poor schooling in social responsibility, the absence of adult care and supervision, and the ravages of poverty. All of these factors contribute to the belief among some children that the answer to their frustrations in human interactions is to shoot the adults and children perceived to be the source of their anger and suffering. Simple solutions alone, such as metal detectors or school uniforms, do not work. More expulsions, more jails, and more punitive measures only increase the hopelessness, mistrust, and sense of powerlessness in violent children. Teaching children appropriate ways to communicate and behave begins very early, even before school attendance. Communities must also support better child mental health services in schools. Less than half of schools provide any psychological services beyond diagnosis. Gun owners must use trigger locks and a fail-safe plan for keeping their guns away from children. It is particularly important to keep guns out of the hands of children who are depressed. Children must be taught early by parents and other adults to follow rules and structure their lives for positive achievements, and nonviolent ways of solving conflicts must be taught. 6 references