Peace and Children

The American Academy of Pediatrics reports that by age 18, the average American child will have viewed about 200,000 acts of violence on television alone. What effect will this have on children, who all too soon, will be adults?

What examples are being set when childhood heroes use violence to resolve problems?

According to Ann Sanson, researcher from the University of Melbourne's School of Behavioral Science, studies show that parents who limit their children's exposure to violence are more likely to have peaceful children and positive family relationships.

What can we do to counteract the negative impact of violent media?

Organizations such as Peace Child International help give young people the tools to resolve conflict with words instead of violence.  Through their international outreach programs, they use publications, musicals, and conferences to teach youth to take responsibility for peace.

Bruce Main, President of the very successful inner city program named Urban Promise states:

"Creating smaller communities that seek to embody peaceful practices can be places where children might learn and experience non violent alternatives to resolving conflict.  With a vision for peace, after school programs, schools, church groups, athletic teams, art clubs, choirs are all opportunities where the negative influences of a chaotic home life and violent neighborhood can be diminished.  Children are experiential learners; they learn best in the context of loving and caring relationships."

Consider limiting exposure to violent media for your children and make non-violent problem resolution a common practice in your own home. More suggestions are available at The National Foundation for Children Exposed to Violence.

For more peaceful solutions visit www.peacefulblueplanet.org

To hear PSA about this topic:  PSA on Children