Tips for talking to your children about tough issues like violence. As a parent, how do you address the violence your kids see in their daily lives?

1. [Violence]
Talking to Kids About Tough Issues
Violence Free Coalition Of Warren County

2. Violence Is All Around
 With today’s 24/7 media coverage,
children are being exposed to violence
at increasingly younger ages.
 The average child will witness 200,000
violent acts on TV by the age of 18.
 Research shows children want their
parents to talk to them about today’s
tough issues.

3.  Develop open communication. It’s important
to talk to your kids honestly.
 Provide straightforward answers; often the
ideas they come up with are more
frightening than the honest response.
 Realize children feel better when they talk
about their feelings.
 Ask your child how they feel about what they
have witnessed. “That movie seemed pretty
scary to me. How did you feel watching it?”
Encourage Children To Talk

4. Monitor the Media
 Watching violence can desensitize
a child.
 Be firm in what they cannot watch
or play. Even if “everyone else” is.
 Watch TV or play the video game
with your child and talk about the
things you are seeing.
 Let them know why what you are
seeing disturbs you. “This isn’t
funny to me. Shooting a person in
real life means someone’s family
member is dead.”

5. Reassure Your Child They
Are Safe At School
Acknowledge your child’s fears.
Reassure them of their safety at
school. Point out the safety
features that are in place, such as
locked doors and cameras.
Find out if their school has a
police officer assigned to the
building.
Encourage them to come to
you if they ever feel unsafe.

6. Reassure Your Child They
Are Safe At Home
Point out the safety features
that are in place in your home.
Remind the child of the rules
for safety, such as never
opening the door to a stranger
or making sure to close the
garage door when they come
in from outside.
Make sure they know how to
call 9-1-1 in an emergency.

7. Control Your Own Behavior
Children learn by watching their
parents.
Examine how you approach conflict.
Do you use violence?
When you are upset, do you yell or use
physical force?
If you want your child to avoid using
violence themselves, model the right
behavior for them.

8. Pay Attention To Boys
Boys typically love action.
But action does not need to
become violent.
Allow them safe and
healthy outlets for their
energy.
Do not excuse violence with
“boys will be boys.”

9. Topics Of Conversations By Age
Elementary School
 What does your child
consider to be violent?
 What is the difference
between rough playing,
and hitting or bullying?
 Why does your child like or
dislike a violent video
game or TV show?
 How does your child feel
when they witness people
physically fighting?
Middle School
 What behaviors have you
witnessed in school?
 What should you do if you
are being bullied or
harassed?
 What does an abusive
dating relationship look
like?
 Why is it important to tell
an adult about bullying or
threats?

10. To Read the Full Article and For More Information Click Here!
“This publication/material was supported by the 5VF1CE001114-3 from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessary represent the official views of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention”
Jane B. Conn, VFC Director
Megan Crouch, VFC Prevention Education Coordinator
Pat Clark, VFC Prevention Education Specialist
Violence Free Coalition
Ohio Department of Health
Ohio Domestic Violence Network
Ohio Alliance to End Sexual Violence
Find us at:
www.arcshelter.org
www.facebook.com/ViolenceFreeCoalition