By Vera Joffe, Ph.D.

It is very important to work in a personal and family level to help your children and families safety in your home, and environment. You always have to take into account your children's ages in answering the following questions I will enlist for you to answer to yourselves:
 

1. How much time do your children spend in watching television every night/day?
    
2. Do your children watch television alone, or with you? Do you know the programs your children are watching?
    
3. How much time do your children spend playing "computer games"? What is the content of the computer games? Have you ever played the games with your children? How about "game boy" and other electronic games?
    
4. How much time do your children spend on the Internet? Are they accessing information that is appropriate to their age (if they are young)?
    
5. How do you deal with violence in general? Do you talk to your children about the topic? Is there any violence in your home? How do you manage anger?
    
6. How much time your children spend "just playing" with nonviolent toys?
    
7. How competitive and aggressive do you get when your child is playing sports with another team?
    
8. Do you give your children ideas of resolving conflicts with violence during any conversations you have with them or with your spouse? Remember: They will listen to all the words you say, and they will watch and most likely imitate your behavior, especially if they are young.

In conclusion, the very relevant topic of violence in our society is a crucial one for you to become involved in a personal, family, as well as a community level.