It seems like everywhere we as a society look today, violence rears its repulsive head. We see violence in the streets, back alleys, and even our schools. Violence can now be seen in many people’s living rooms while they are sitting down watching television. Children and teenagers seem to be the most effected by violence on television.

Many things should be done to change children’s view on television and how much violence should be on the television. Children today act and dress older than they are. The fact remains that they still are children. The children that watch Barney and sing along and have a great time learn to love one another. The children who watch Power Rangers begin to kick each other and fight because that is what they are seeing on television. We should sit down and explain to our kids that the Power Rangers are trained actors and actresses. They are actually not hitting and kicking each other. Watching violence makes children act violently. As long as children see it being done, they are going to do it also. Children imitate everything they see.

Some teenagers go to violent movies and listen to heavy metal and rap music. Some teens argue that they have not killed anyone. These teens are missing the point. Television teaches teens to handle their problems in the wrong way. Some ways include arguing, hitting, abusing, and initiating other violent behavior-sometimes, even killing like what happened in Littleton. Little boys all the way up to teenagers have always loved guns. They started out with BB guns and end up with real guns. Even with gun control there was no way to stop the kids at Littleton. I am also concerned about the disconnection from the parents and the lack of respect for authority. Parents need to take charge and know where their children are and what they are doing. If the kids have no respect and their heads are filled with evil, violence, and sex, why is anyone surprised about this horrible behavior? When children and teens watch all the violence on television, they might forget that it is pretend and think of it as reality.

It is true that you cannot completely control the lives of the children and the teenagers. It just is not possible, but you can control what goes on in your home. The more a kid imagines doing something, the more likely he or she is to do it in real life. Life is tough and this is a serious problem. We have to help kids understand why family rules do not include violence and sex in homes. We need to teach our children and teenagers values. It is time to teach them that there is a loving God, One who loves us all and gives us rules and laws that will help us be happy and successful.

Now is the time to teach kids these time-tested principles at home and in our places of worship. Dads and Moms need to spend time to listen, talk, and play together. Most of all, pray together.

Word Count: 516