Planet Improv was recently invited to be part of a local Mecklenburg County, NC program entitled, The 100 Youth Advisory Council.

Through the 100 Youth Advisory Council, young people will:

  • Learn about violence-related topics, including key concepts for violence prevention.
  • Advise on safety improvements in their school and community environments.
  • Participate in evaluating current violence prevention programs.

(Below) is a post from healthychildren.org that discusses how exposure to violence affects a child/student.

Childhood Exposure to Violence

​Hardly a day goes by that we do not read or hear about a violent act or tragedy involving children in our community or across the country.

Some tragedies are unintentional and unpredictable, such as traffic accidents or natural disasters. Others are intentional and sometimes premeditated, such as fights, muggings, shootings, murders, and terrorist attacks. Many children and teens are also exposed to violence within their schools and neighborhoods, and even within their own homes​.

Problems linked with exposure to violent acts 

When children are exposed to a traumatic event, including a violent crime, their response may vary. Some children become fearful. They may prefer to stay at home, and they may have trouble sleeping and concentrating in school. Appetites often change, and children may complain of headaches, stomachaches, and other vague symptoms. Even minor changes in their daily routines can upset them terribly.

The cycle of violence 

Some children exposed to violence learn to resolve their own conflicts in a violent manner. Others seem to become desensitized to violence and the pain and distress of others. Some retreat into a shell, avoiding people and the world around them. These children with long-term exposure are at an increased risk for:

  • Behavioral, psychological, and physical problems
  • Academic failure
  • Alcohol and substance use
  • Delinquent acts
  • Adult criminality

When these children repeat the violence, they have experienced, they perpetuate a cycle of violence that can continue throughout future generations.

Post-traumatic stress disorder in children & teens

Children who are exposed to violence on a regular basis often experience many of the same symptoms and lasting effects as children who are victims of violence themselves, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These kids can feel emotional and physical “aftershocks” for months or even years. They can relive the event again and again in their minds and be less able to function normally in their day-to-day lives. Some may become more aggressive, violent, and self-destructive.

In the aftermath: how to help your family

If your children have been exposed to violent acts, think about how they AND your entire family have been affected. Are your family members now interacting with one another and with the outside world differently? Have your routines and activities changed?

Encourage your children to discuss the violence. Allow them to express what they are feeling, including fear, anxiety, or anger. Listen as they talk about it, again and again if necessary.

Finding outside support

Children who have been exposed to or have witnessed a violent occurrence will need a great deal of support and often will need counseling in order to handle their feelings. Your pediatrician can help you and your family find an experienced mental health professional who can help your children and your family with the aftermath of a violent experience.

Restoring a sense of “normal”

In the weeks and months after a violent or traumatic event, do everything you can to make sure that your children feel secure, and that a sense of normality returns to their life.

  • Be very available if needed and ensure that they are adequately supervised and protected throughout the day and night.
  • Discuss any potentially dangerous situations that might exist and how to avoid them in the future.
  • Encourage them to express their fears. Reassure them they are safe by letting them know the steps that have been taken to ensure their protection.

A message on virtual violence

The major setting for violence in America is the home. Television programs, video and computer games, Internet content, and movies frequently show graphic acts of violence. When children view this content, it can affect them just as much as if a “real life” experience.

By the time children reach middle school, they may have watched as many as 8,000 murders and 100,000 other acts of virtual violence through the media.​

Remember…

Children’s exposure to violence is an issue that touches everyone—an American tragedy that scars children and threatens the safety of communities. All children require love, nurturing, and support to thrive and break the cycle of violence that affects them.

# # #

The initial 100 Youth Advisory Council sessions that Planet Improv has held for our 6th, 7th and 8th graders have yielded a similar pattern.

There are 9 modules in the program.

The first module is entitled, “Things Fueling Violence.”

One of the first things that we ask the students is if they feel like violence has affected them personally.

The majority of the students answer no, but then go on to communicate to us that they experience things like: hearing gunshots in their neighborhood; knowing friends and loved ones who have been involved in violent acts (shootings) and/or death by firearm; that they have family members incarcerated for violent crimes and/or know friends or family members involved in violent personal relationships.

These responses show that, as amazing as it may seem, they have been desensitized to what many of us would consider the experience of extremely violent behaviors and situations.

This desensitization does not heal the short or long term physical and mental pain experienced by the child/youth, it does just the opposite.

Planet Improv is proud to continue to educate our youth/students on this supremely important topic.