Teens should be given more respect, more responsibility and lessons
in conflict resolution to curb the increase in violence in American
society, two experts on child violence said Monday.
Teach children not to resort to
violence
In addition, children should not be raised on games of murder and
mass destruction like those that are popular now, said David A. Hamburg
M.D. He is author of “No More Killing Fields,” and president emeritus of
the Carnegie Corp. of New York. He and his wife, Betty Hamburg, were
speakers at a seminar presented by the Cranbrook Peace Foundation at the
Westin Southfield.
“We see violence prevention as a function of healthy
child development,” David Hamburg said. “Hate mongers come along and
prey upon kids who haven't had this healthy childhood training.”
Mothers and fathers should be trained in parenting skills and on how
to guide children to be problem solvers instead of resorting to
violence, the Hamburgs said. The two said such lessons should be
incorporated into school curriculum from preschool through graduation.
The Hamburgs stressed that after-school programs, not just for
elementary children but for teens, are extremely important because in 80
percent of families both parents work and are not home after school. The
hours when most kids get into trouble are between 3 and 8 p.m., they
said.
Betty Hamburg said adolescence is a modern day invention. In the
past, when children grew into an adult body they were needed and valued
and had a role that had adult status.
“Adolescents need to be given responsibility and adopt responsible behaviors,” Betty Hamburg said.
“They need to feel valued. Teachers
should not be allowed to be disrespectful to students,” she said, noting
students can be disciplined with respect.
Pontiac Police Chief Rollie Gackstetter was one of a group of about
40 Detroit and Oakland County community leaders who work with programs
for youth who were at the seminar. “I am anxious to read his book,” said Gackstetter, adding:
“It will serve as a good resource for programs we are working with.”
The chief referred to the Junior Police Magnet Academy that started
at Pontiac Central and Pontiac Northern high schools this fall, the
ongoing PAL program and a new program.
David Hamburg said it takes a whole society to promote nonviolence.
It's an all inclusive effort by schools, community agencies, religions,
health institutions and the media.
Betty Hamburg said American society promulgates violence today in
graphic news of violence, in Internet chat rooms and Web sites filled
with hate. “Computer games kids play teach adolescents explicit violence and how
to be proficient at it,” she said. “They are rewarded for the number of
people killed. Kids have told me they get a rush when they kill someone
and see the blood.”
David Hamburg said there are predictions that in 2020 violence and
war will be among the top 15 causes of death in the U.S.
“Unless we are motivated by passionate desire for
change, we are going to see the prediction come true,” he said.
22 October 2003
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