Children's Responses to Violence
By Jane Beilein, Executive Director, MHA in Niagara County

Children “who witnessed violence were found to show more anxiety, (low) self-esteem, depression and antisocial problems than children who did not witness violence at home. Boys who experienced serious physical violence and were exposed to the use of weapons among adults in their homes had lower overall competence in peer relationships, autonomy and self-control."(1)

According to a 2003 report from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), children who are victims of or witness violence are likely to exhibit some of the following symptoms:

• Fear and worry about being safe
• Aggression toward others
• Depression
• Sleeplessness
• Reluctance to explore their environment
• Physical symptoms such as headaches, stomach aches
• Changes in eating habits
• Withdrawal
• Poor school performance; difficulty paying attention
• Lowered self-esteem
• Suicidal tendencies
• Posttraumatic stress disorder

AAP also reports that witnessing violence or being a victim of it are associated with self-reported use of violence and carrying weapons. For some children, violence is the only defense they know. The May 2003 Harvard Mental Health Letter, adds: "People ages 15-24, who once accounted for 5% of suicides, now account for 14%. It is the third leading cause of death among American adolescents." The Headquarters Counseling Center reports that "guns are used in over 60% of all suicide deaths in the United States; the use of guns for suicide is increasing in all age groups. Guns stored in the home are used for suicide 40 times more often than for self-protection. 92% of people who use guns in their suicide attempts die. There are many ways to minimize the impact of violence on children:

1. Help children deal with violence by listening to them and inquiring about their worries and concerns.
2. Model nonviolent dispute resolution.
3. Provide reassurance that adults will do their best to keep children safe.
4. Refuse to buy violent games, or toys or expose children to entertainment that promote violence.
5. Teach children that guns and knives are weapons and are dangerous.

In 1999, one week after the shootings at Columbine High School, Dr. Teeya Scholten devised a Peace Plan for Canada. Dr. Scholten gives permission to reproduce the peace plan, which can certainly be applied universally. The plan can be found at http://www.peace.ca/peaceplan.htm.

(1) Edleson, Ph.D., Jeffrey L. "Problems Associated with Children's Witnessing of Domestic Violence" at: http://www.aap.org/advocacy/childhealthmonth/effects.htm

posted 9/18/03