When it comes to youth violence, I’m not one to blame the media or television, video games or even music. I think the problem with violence starts at home and then other variables fuel that fire. The parents and family members need to start stepping up.
‘The reason why we’re so angry…in a way we’re mad at ourselves, but our parents, our parents not getting involved in our lives, they are focused on themselves,’ said Deandre Berry, Simeon student.
Schools, churches, and local law enforcement in all communities set up after school programs, counseling services, and out-reach programs to help those in need but at the end of the day, it’s up to the parents to make things better. Adults tend to be in their own world and at some point you have to step back and listen. Listen to what your children, nieces, nephews, grand children, neighbors, and friends have to say. They are speaking loud and clear.
‘My mom, she’s deceased. My dad, who knows where he is. So I’m a victim of not having people around you for support all the time,’ said Dezeree Glover, Fenger student.
Children do what they know. They act out what they see. As adults, our reactions, the way we think, our behavior and what we project is what continues the cycle. It all starts and ends with the home, the environments in which we grow up in. It’s sad when kids can see that their parents are not putting in the time with them. They are crying out for help and not being heard. Who is listening? I’m tired of seeing parents on TV professing their child’s innocence. Your child just killed someone’s son or daughter and WHERE WERE YOU? Take responsibility for your children and step up!
It’s easy to have kids, but we need to be able to raise them as well. If the parents can’t or won’t, the rest of us need to step up and do our part. We can’t just look away and say ‘not my kid, not my problem’. Find a way, through the schools, your place of worship, or through community programs.
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