Safer communities

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 14, Issue 684, 29 April 1997, Page 9

Safer communities

By

Pat McOnie, Ruapehu Safer Community Coordinator

Ho w do we save our children from violence or ourselves for that matter? We know that patterns of violent behaviour are learned, and that they can therefore be replaced by other behaviour, or never learned in the first place. I don't believe a baby is born violent. They learn this from those around them. Here is a list of things parents can do to reduce violent influenees on their children: • Stop hitting kids; • If your child is being bullied at school report it and ask that the school try the Police programme Kia Kaha; • Tell the children to look after the younger ones; • Check what they are getting from the video shop or watching on television. If it is too violent send it back or turn it off, explain why you are doing so and suggest better alternatives; • Limit time spent on the mega-drives as many of the "spacies" games incite aggressiveness; • Don't buy toy guns or war-games for your own child or as gifts for others. Nurturing "healthy families" is the responsibility of everyone. If we truly have respect for ourselves we would not harm one another through violence or force.