November 24, 2012
How Violence Effects Young Children
In our current society, violence has almost become a way of
life for some people. Instead of simple communication (talking and listening),
people have chosen to turn to gun violence and murder. I dread turning on the
television, because there is always a breaking news report about a shooting.
Unfortunately, the younger citizens in our country, are affected by the
decisions of those, who are supposed to protect them. One news report, revealed
the horrible murders a father/ husband committed against his own family (wife
and children). Later reports revealed his involvement in an extramarital
affair; I guess his family was in the way. Two weeks ago, I saw one of my
former neighbors at the barber shop. She had her granddaughter with her, and
she began talking about her three beautiful granddaughters. She went on to tell
me how one of the granddaughters (2years old), survived a horrible tragedy. Her
mother, grandmother and little brother (10month old) were murdered by the 10
month old baby’s father. The little girl hid in the closet, while the intruder
shot and killed her entire family. After murdering everyone, he started a fire,
in an attempt to burn the house down. The little girl (only two), told her dad
and grandmother, she hid in the closet under clothes, but she came out when she
smelled smoke. The little girl is currently attending counseling sessions and
living with her dad. I could hardly hold back the tears! Our children are
suffering, at the hands of adults who need psychological treatment.
In Israel, children are faced with a tremendous amount of
violence. According to an article” Chain of violence: Study shows impact on
Palestinian and Israeli children”, children exposed to ethnic and political
violence, are more aggressive than other children (Swanbrow, 2012). The article
went on to discuss how the political and ethical violence, has spilled over
into households, neighborhoods and schools. The earlier the age of exposure,
and the length of time exposed to violence, revealed a greater effect of
violence and aggression in the children. What a very sad world we live in. How
can children grow to be healthy, productive citizens when surrounded by such
dysfunction?
(Swanbrow, D. 2012). Retrieved from http://www.sampler.isr.umich.edu/2012/research/chain-of-violence-study-shows-impact-on-palestinian-and-israeli-children/
I was so sad to read the story of that tiny little girl. How very tragic. I often wonder if our society was to become really comfortable talking about mental illness in a kind and caring way what would the outcome be? I would have no problem telling someone that I was concerned about how tired they look, how sad they seem, or how concerned I am that they have been sick for so long. We just don't have the same cultural permission to talk to someone about their mental health. What might happen if we thought it was OK, and in fact very caring to tell someone that we were concerned about how angry they are? How confused their thinking has become? How sad and lonely they seem? How we believe they need to see a doctor about their mental health.
ReplyDeleteI have been teaching families about violence in media and it's effects on small children for my entire career. I found my "sea legs" on the topic very early in my career when I was introduced to the work of Dr. David Walsh. He has written several books and is a noted presenter here in Minnesota and nationally as well. I encourage you to check out his website at http://www.drdavewalsh.com. When we have conversations that increase the awareness about violence and mental health, we make strides in moving the issue forward.
Margretta,
ReplyDeleteI agree. It is unbelievable the amount of violence in our world, some under the name of peace. I don't think anyone, including adults, really know how to bounce back after something tragic has happened. Violence in movies and video games are touted as entertainment but the thing most people forget is that young children don't know the difference between reality and pretend. How can we expect children to have emotional control when what they see is someone getting angry and shooting someone, or worse. There is a commercial I have seen just once of 2 co-workers arguing in a meeting about whose idea is the best and they stop mid-sentence and compromise. The message is that children are expected to be nice and get along; why aren't adults. I found it to be a powerful advertisement and wish I would see it more often. Thank you for your post this week.