A Way to Stop Violence in the Schools

A New school year has begun. For some, it is a time of promise and accomplishment, while for others, a time of loneliness and rejection. We have mourned massacres in Colorado, Georgia, California and Pennsylvania. How do we stop the needless violence? The answer is to prevent the ideas from forming in the first place.

According to the American Psychological Association website, “…violence is a learned behavior. One in 12 high school students is threatened or injured with a weapon each year.”

“Proper coping skills can be taught,” says Jeffrey W. Bennett, novelist and author of Under the Lontar Palm and Hospital Girl. “If violence is a learned behavior, it can be unlearned. Alternatives to violent programming abound. Such resources are in books, music, and other forms of entertainment.”

Here are Jeffrey W. Bennett’s alternatives and actions against violent programming:

1. Spend time together as a family and know what your children are involved in.

2. Show youth where to find adventure in non-violent books, music, and movies.

3. Pressure sponsors of violent entertainment to choose wholesome products.

4. Support industries that provide honorable, loyal, heroic role models.

5. Become involved in your community and show others what a real hero looks like.

Anyone in a position of influence plays critical roles in a child's development. They must first take care in what they choose to see, do or hear. Volunteering, teaching, coaching and helping are all valuable and set great examples for our children to emulate.

Jeffrey W. Bennett is an enthusiastic and totally uncanny volunteer and public speaker. He is currently found speaking on leading volunteers, patriotism and service to community. To interview him, please call 256.656.4756.