Parent Participation Helps Prevent Violence

When we are committed and involved in our children's lives, we can teach them, by example and discussion, how to avoid violent situations.

Although we are not present during school time, parents a key players in promoting school safety. When parents take an interest in school work, participate in school events, teach their children how to manager anger, or talk with their children about rules at school and home, they are helping to provide their children with alternatives to violence.

Youth gangs are responsible for much of the serious violence in the United States. In schools and neighborhoods where they are active, they create a climate of fear and increase the amount of violence and criminal behavior. Parents can take action to prevent their children from participating in gangs.

After school and other community programs not only give our children safety and supervision when we're not there; they also help them develop their skills and abilities. Finding good after school and other community programs for our children is worth the effort. Many resources are also available online to assist parents interested in starting their own programs to prevent youth involvement in violence, drug use or other delinquent behaviors.