As our national blood curdles in reaction to the slaughter of innocence at Columbine High School in Colorado, we might take a moment to once again consider how to protect children’s lives and spirits. Already, well-intentioned citizens are calling for stricter gun control laws and tighter security systems at schools. Certainly, restricting access to weapons makes sense and yields positive results. It’s no coincidence that Massachusetts has the toughest gun purchase requirements and the lowest amount of violent crime in the nation. But guns provide a means to kill, not a reason to kill. Schools and school yards serve their purpose when children feel like they are sanctuaries in which adults care about their well-being and development. Locked doorways, armed guards and electronic monitoring undermine children’s sense of security by adding constant reminders of deadly threats that may lurk around every corner.
No, just as access to healthcare, by itself, does not guarantee health, safety depends on removing access to deadly weapons and on removing a person’s will to hate. Given the countless sources for acquiring a deadly weapon, the task of disarming dangerous individuals becomes nearly impossible. Considering, on the other hand, the one source for becoming a young killer, the achievable goal of prevention must focus on the early childhood experiences of all children. Violence is an end-product of hatred -- usually self-hatred as much as hatred toward others. During the first years of life, children learn how the world values them. Kids who are loved consistently and unconditionally, whose parents and other caregivers demonstrate caring and service to others, whose families affiliate with a diverse group within a community, and who observe that skin color, wealth, education, and culture differentiate people’s background but not their intrinsic worth, are children who will grow to feel connected and devoted to the dignity within everyone. Ultimately, violence is most vulnerable to the stronger power of inner peace acquired when healthy relationships teach very young children the joy and satisfaction gained from caring about other.
So let’s get smart -- we can only secure peace by providing emotional
security for all children. What are we teaching our children about tolerance,
conflict resolution, and humane behavior? We can only defend ourselves
against violent acts if we inspire in children an alternative path to hatred.
Killers, after all, are indistinguishable as babies. They just lose hope
long before they ever find death.
Dr. Gorski can be reached at: pgorski@bcbsma.com
Additional resources:
Slaby, R.G., W.C. Roedell, D. Arezzo, & K. Hendrix.1995. Early
Violence Prevention: Tools for Teachers of Young Children. Washington,
DC: NAEYC #325/$8.00.
Levin, D. 1998. Remote Control Childhood? Combating the Hazards
of Media Culture. Washington, DC: NAEYC #326/$8.00.
NAEYC. 1993. Position Statement on Violence in the Lives of Children.
Washington, DC: Author. Also available as a brochure Order #588.
Web sites:
NAEYC. Early Years are Learning Years Web site release: "Helping
children cope with violence."
American Academy of Pediatrics