Violence - A Major Problem for our Children

According to a survey carried out by the NSPCC 80% of children between the ages of 11 and 16 see violence as a major problem. The survey found that 75% of children had suffered from bullying at school. One in four children had witnessed adults in their family being violent. The survey canvassed the views of 1,172 boys and girls.

The NSPCC is calling on Gordon Brown to act on these figures during his first one hundred days in power.

A staggering 22% of children are frightened of violence towards them at school. 38% are really scared of attacks against the, by other young people they do not know.

One in four believe that children know how to protect themselves with 44% stating that there is enough support for them to deal with violence. 28% said that they could like to see specialist anti bullying counselors and lessons at school on personal safety.

The chief executive of the NSPCC Dame Mary Marsh said: "Although a snapshot, this survey shows how children themselves feel that violence invades their lives at school, home and on the streets, sometimes daily.

"Children should not have to accept violence as part of growing up. Much of it could be stopped if governments across the UK took action."

Dame Mary went on to reveal that one in every three children calling ChildLine claim to be suffering from violence and abuse. Over the past ten years bullying has been the main reason for children contacting the helpline.

The NSPCC is currently running its Don't Hide It campaign, aimed at 11 to 16-year-olds, which urges children to speak out about all forms of abuse.

Here at Parenting.co.uk we fully endorse the suggestion for anti bullying counselors and lessons at school on personal safety. It is alarming to hear that over a fifth of children attend school each day worrying about the possibility of violence against them. This must have a major impact on their ability to concentrate on their studies. Obviously the overall quality of their lives is really suffering.

We believe that these figures are also linked to another recent survey showing children and teenagers in the U.K. to be among some of the unhappiest in the Western World.

What can be done?
We would like to see potential problem children identified at an early age and action taken to try to improve the behaviour levels as the child develops. This must be done in conjunction with parents and where necessary help should be given to the parents so that they improve their parenting skills. Although we believe some of this does happen it should be carried out on a much larger scale. Better monitoring of problem children and greater access to experts would also make a difference.

On top of this activities allowing children to channel aggressive behaviour should also be encouraged. This includes more competitive sports programs.

What do you think?
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