Violence measured via PTK broadcast
by Violetta Rocha, Reporter

    Knowledge from parents to their children, a feeling of belonging and positive role models are good safety measurements to prevent youth violence, a speaker said during a recent satellite broadcast.
   Dr. James Alan Fox of Northeastern University spoke during a satellite broadcast produced by Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society and National Collegiate Honor Council.
   Collegians from many states joined in the interactive seminar The Young and Ruthless: Young Violence and Public Health to delve into the issue of school violence and death affecting young people and solutions to help avoid these problems.
   “Kids react differently now because context and culture have changed,” Fox said.
   They watched on television what happened in Columbine, Fox said, and some rebutted the act, but a few children thought it was cool because they identified with the scene.
   Fox said that the way media approach the issue of violence has a negative impact.
   The media spent so much time talking about the effects, he said, kids see criminals on television and in magazines getting everybody’s attention.
   Thus, the children might see these criminals as heroes or celebrities.
   Helping parents to raise their children is more worthwhile than placing blame on them, Fox said.
   Investing in children when they are young will provide more, stronger effects and more payout, he said.
   “More schools are safe. There is only a one-in-a-million chance that a kid will get killed at school,” he said, referring to the safety measures used at schools now.
   According to Fox, these safety measures traumatize children and promote fear rather than safety. Some children see them as a challenge, he said.
   Fox suggested reinforcing extra-curricular activities like sports, drama or music.
   Fox also believes having small schools with more staff will give students a better self-identity that will keep some from looking at gangs.
   Fox said schools should teach children self-esteem and respect, starting in first grade.
   “After school, we don’t have bad kids; instead, we have bored kids who find wrong things to do,” he said.
   Fox suggested that his college audience spend time with younger students.
   “Be positive role models and involve children in activities,” he said.