FORUM ADDRESSES WAYS TO SPOT POSSIBLE VIOLENCE AMONG KIDS.Byline: John Sanders John Sanders is the name of
In the first of three post-Littleton, Colo., public forums, school and sheriff's officials told parents what signs can provide advance warning that a teen may be troubled and potentially violent. Displaying cruelty to animals cruelty to animals n. the crime of inflicting physical pain, suffering or death on an animal, usually a tame one, beyond necessity for normal discipline. It can include neglect that is so monstrous (withholding food and water) that the animal has suffered, died or ; preferring violent television shows, movies or music expressing violence; drug or alcohol abuse; depression or severe mood swings; and a history of truancy, suspensions or expulsions all can be warning signs, sheriff's Deputy Jeff Adams Jeff Adams (born November 15, 1970 in Mississauga, Ontario) is a four-time Canadian Paralympian and a six-time world champion in wheelchair sports. At the 2000 Summer Paralympics he won five medals, a gold in the 800 m and 1500 m, a silver in the 400 m and a bronze said. Adams, who works in the Sheriff's Department's Lancaster crime prevention office, told his audience Tuesday night at Lancaster High School Lancaster High School may refer to:
Adams also said that students play an important role in coming forward and letting school administrators know about potential violence. ``We want to encourage kids to come forward,'' Adams said. ``It's really in their best benefit to do so.'' A second forum will be held at 7:30 tonight at Highland High School Highland High School or Highlands High School may refer to: In the United States:
``We really believe that this is an important aspect of providing the community with assurance that our schools are safe, and we're doing all the things necessary to keep our schools safe,'' said Antelope Valley Union High School District The Antelope Valley Union High School District (A.V.U.H.S.D.) is located in the Antelope Valley area of California, in northern Los Angeles County. The district includes eight public high schools, one trade school, and two continuation high schools in the cities of Palmdale Superintendent Robert Girolamo. ``We believe very strongly that we've got a safe environment here. We need to bring it forward and let parents, teachers and people know that what we do in terms of this is serious, and we take action accordingly.'' Girolamo said that there are plans to hold similar forums at least twice a year on each campus. ``We want to keep this on the front burner Noun 1. front burner - top priority; "the work was moved to the front burner in order to meet deadlines" precedence, precedency, priority - status established in order of importance or urgency; "... so we don't lose sight of this and become complacent,'' he said. Girolamo said he hopes to meet with other school superintendents in the Antelope Valley to organize similar forums at other schools. People in the audience agreed that providing information to parents should be a continuing process. ``I think this was extremely important, and it should be carried out on an ongoing basis,'' said Abdul Majeed Askia, who works with youths throughout the valley. ``There's no one particular approach that will resolve the problems that we are confronted with. So when we look at it (a problem) from all these different angles it's the full picture. It will certainly serve in resolving what we are confronted with.'' WARNING SIGNS IN YOUTH History of tantrums and uncontrollable outbursts Characteristically resorts to abusive language Habitually makes violent threats when angry Previously brought a weapon to school Background of serious disciplinary problems History of drug or alcohol abuse On the fringe On The Fringe is a popular Pakistani television show on Indus Music. It is hosted and scripted by the eccentric television host and music critic, Fasi Zaka and directed by Zeeshan Pervez. of his or her peer group with few or no close friends Obsessed ob·sess v. ob·sessed, ob·sess·ing, ob·sess·es v.tr. To preoccupy the mind of excessively. v.intr. with weapons or explosive/destructive devices History of truancy, suspensions or expulsions Displays cruelty to animals Little or no supervision or support from responsible adult Abused or witnessed abuse in the home Bullied or bullies peers or younger children Blames others for problems Prefers television, movies or songs that express violence Prefers reading materials expressing violent themes Reflects anger, frustration and the dark side of life in writing Involved in a gang or antisocial antisocial /an·ti·so·cial/ (-so´sh'l) 1. denoting behavior that violates the rights of others, societal mores, or the law. 2. denoting the specific personality traits seen in antisocial personality disorder. behavior Often depressed or has severe mood swings Threatens or attempts suicide PARENT/FAMILY SUPPORT Take an active role in your child's school Act as a role model; set the example Listen and talk with your child regularly, realizing the realities of ``their world'' Prevent unsupervised access to firearms in your home Set clear limits on behavior Communicate clearly on violence, emphasizing nonviolent problem-solving techniques Help your child learn how to examine and find solutions to problems Discourage name-calling and hateful behavior Insist on knowing your child's friends Work with other parents to develop standards regarding school related events and the appropriate adult supervision Make it clear you support school policies and discuss your support with your child Source: Lancaster sheriff's station CAPTION(S): 2 Boxes BOX: (1) PARENT/FAMILY SUPPORT (2) WARNING SIGN IN YOUTH |
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