Healthy Children says that kids are increasingly exposed to television, movies, video games and music that often have violent themes. It also says that children exposed to violence and crime may later resolve conflict in a violent manner and may become desensitized to it. Parents and caregivers can help a child learn to live a healthy life, thereby reducing the effects that crime and violence can have on a school-age child.
Significance
There are several ways a child can be exposed to violence and crime, including at home, at school or through various media. This may have long- and short-term effects on school-age kids that can hinder their lives. Crime and violence affects not only the child, but also families and society. Healthy Kids says that there are different effects, depending on whether the violence or crime is experienced first-hand or through media.
Types
The National Center for Children Exposed to Violence, or NCCEV, says that school violence can hinder the learning process and lead to violent revenge and a range of mental health issues, including depression and post-traumatic stress syndrome. Domestic violence can lead to bullying behaviors, acting out and shame, says the Alabama Coalition Against Domestic Violence, or ACADV. Media violence can lead children to fear going out because it makes them feel unsafe as well as the possibly desensitising them to violent and criminal acts, reports Kids Health.
Development
Exposure to violence negatively affects a child's development. NCCEV reports these children have trouble with school, emotions and cognition as well as an increase in depression and anxiety. It can even result in future substance abuse. Children who witness violence or crime also have an increased risk for aggression, conflicts with those around them and difficulty trusting the people in their lives.
Future
Childhood exposure to violence and crime can have effects that occur right away and those that linger or don't appear until later. Children suffering from post-traumatic stress syndrome may have flashbacks and can end up feeling suicidal, says Healthy Children. NCCEV adds that these children are at a higher risk of becoming involved in the juvenile justice system due to their often-learned violent behavior. Violence and crime can also deteriorate a child's self-esteem leading to self-destructiveness and aggressive behaviors towards others. This can even lead to school shootings, says NCCEV.
Prevention
While it is nearly impossible to completely avoid crime and violence, there are several things that parents, caregivers and teachers can do to help children. Parents are advised to limit kids' time spent exposed to media; parents can also watch TV or listen to music with their kids, which allows parents to discuss these topics with their child, says Kids Health. Reporting potential abuse at home can remove a child from a violent environment. Healthy Children recommends that parents and caregivers talk about the events and seek therapy if a child needs it to recover from a violent event.
