outh violence is a complex problem that most of us don’t understand AS PART of the Together Against Violence campaign, North Shore Community Services (NSCS) is featuring a series of columns on ‘violence. The following is Part Two of a series of five. |HELP'S AF HAND Question: What is going on with all the youth violence f’m hearing about? I have two young teenagers aad I am very concerned about their safety. What do you recom- mend? Answer: Many people in our community are asking the same question you have. We have all noticed an increase in the reports of violent acts on the streets and in schools. Youth violence, like other forms of violence, is a complex problem _ that most of us don’t understand very well. Factors that contribute to youth violence can include a lack of ‘positive role models, cul- _tural clashes, and the glorification ‘of violence in the media. ~ .We'also know from people who have worked toward ending vio- lence against women that violence is a misuse of power. . Some people behave violently : because they don’t feel very good - about themselves. Others behave * violently. because. they don't -. perceive any consequences to their ‘actions. More importantly, people ‘who © behave violently’ have a learned pattern .of behavior that says it is OK to deal with anger by becoming violent. — “By looking ‘at. messages we get about ‘violence in- our society. it isn’t surprising: ‘that. some people ” learn that violence is OK. ‘We have _ all, heard comments like ‘tHe asked , for it,’ or ‘She ‘had it . coming to her.”” ‘If our goal is to move toward a- ‘ violence-free society; .then we must be: prepared’ to think: about .. «Vall ‘the’ ways we: directly or in- ... directly imply that, certain’ violent . behaviors are justifiable. There’ issome evidence that -youth who. act violently have witnessed or experienced violence in their own homes. If we accept : this, it becomes imperative that we look at dealing with the root causes of violence, including at- - titudes and beliefs. As an individual, be sure to ‘teach’ your children conflict- management skills as well as con- structive ways of dealing with anger. Work on building their self-esteem and encourage them to learn assertiveness skills. Remember. that your children see you as a role model, so show that you respect. people with dif- ferent backgrounds. It’s a good idea to discuss safety precautions with your teenagers. Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF... 44 Factors that contribuie to youth violence can include a lack of positive role models .... #9 Encourage them to make sensible decisions about where they spend - their time when they are out. Teach them to recognize the signs of escalating anger or ten- sion, and to leave situations when necessary. Establish check-in procedures and a_ reasonable curfew. Encourage your kids’ school to have a_ violence- prevention program as part of the curriculum. As part of the North Shore Together Against Violence cam- paign, there are a number of events being offered that deal with the topic of youth violence, which may interest you. Dr. Gordon. Neufeld, a_ well- known adolescent psychologist, will speak on ‘‘The Roots of Youth Violence’? at Handsworth secondary school on Thursday, Nov. 4 at 7:30 p.m. On Tuesday, Nov. 23 you can hear criminologist Craig Hathaway speak on ‘‘Violence in _ North Shore Communities’? at Capilano College Library at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 24 there will ‘be a “Youth and Violence Com- munity Forum’’ at West Van- couver secondary school theatre at 7 p.m. For more information on the Together Against Violence carn- paign, call Capilano Community Services at 988-7115. ‘ Help’s at Hand, by NSCS, is a forum for discussing government policies and programs, benefits, consumer and legal rights, taxa- tion and public services. Answers are intended only as a general guide and should not be applied to. individuai cases without further consultation. This column is prepared with financial assistance from the Notary Foundation. For more information call NSCS at 985-7138. On approved credit, with your Seors Card. $15 administration fee applies. Offer ends Sun., Nov. 28, 1993. Ask for details. NO LOWER PRICE THIS SEASON ON A CHOICE OF THREE STYLES sq. yd. (35.86 m?) Sears reg. 49.99 sq. yd. (carpet only) Citation textured plush carpet comes in 246 beautiful colors. 41 oz.t ‘Weight before shearing Legacy is a luxurious saxony plush carpet with a fine finish. 20 colors. 44 oz.t Crystal has tracery design with a textured yarn. Available in 20 cofors. *Sears will arrange insiallation by qualified contractors. Offer applies to basic fat surface installation only. Sub Noor preparation, furniture and fixture movement is not included. Additional charge for stairs. Minimum purchase of 20 square yards. 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