Now there will be another push for stricter gun control and to limit the ability of the average person to possess firearms to protect themselves from criminals. This isn’t the ultimate answer because criminals and the mentally ill could continue to obtain firearms and ammunition on the black market or on the Internet, leaving citizens vulnerable.
Many of these slaughters have been done by males under the age of 30. That brings us to the real problem — parenting, and teachers who don’t report students with emotional disturbances.
• The majority of households have both parents working, leaving children to their own devices, and seldom monitor what their kids are doing … especially on their computers.
• Children are allowed to play horrific video killing games, which definitely have a greater influence on those less emotionally stable.
• Whether they work or not, parents today do not spend quality time with their children, instilling morals, ethics and listening to their problems. Few require a “chore list” for their siblings in order to receive an allowance, setting the stage for future work. Nor do they discipline effectively and stand firm with it. Love, understanding, discipline and spending quality time with children are the key elements in raising a responsible child to adulthood.
• If you have children at home, keep firearms out of their reach, locked up or hidden in a secure area. The marvels of modern electronic technology have increased communication worldwide. However, you seldom see a young teen not glued to a computer, cell phone or iPad. That should be limited and more time spent with family. Better parenting and teacher awareness will go further in preventing mass slaughters than stricter gun control alone.
Patsyann Pitts
Delta
