Cactus Village Community

TIPS TO PREVENT VIOLENCE . . .By CAO Karen Freund

Jul 10, 2003

?• Show children how to settle arguments or solve problems without using words or actions that hurt others. Set the example by the way you handle everyday conflicts in the family, at work, and in the neighborhood. Don?’t forget that common courtesies like ?“Please?”, ?“Thank You?”, and ?“Excuse me?” will help ease the tensions that can lead to violence.
?• Discourage name-calling and teasing. These can easily get out of hand, moving all too quickly from
?‘lust words?” to fists, knives and even firearms. --Teach children that bullying is wrong and take their fears about bullies seriously.
?• Take a hard look at what you, your family, and your friends watch and listen to for entertainment ?—from action movies and cop shows to video games and music lyrics. How do the characters solve problems? Do they make firearms and other violence appear exciting, funny or glamorous? Are the real-life consequences of violence or victims and families clear? Talk about what each of you liked and didn?’t like about what you saw or heard.
?• Stick with friends and family who steer clear of violence and drugs. And encourage your children to do the same. Research shows that the use of alcohol and other drugs is closely linked with violence, including the use of guns and other weapons. . .☺