MAKING PEACE IN VIOLENT TIMES - A CONSTRUCTIVIST APPROACH TO CONFLICT-RESOLUTION

Among the kids in my class, aggression against peers (during play, particularly) has increased dramatically in recent years; I attribute this increase, in large part, to the desensitization of children to violence caused by the media. The media can be a powerful tool in the socialization process, when children are constantly exposed to the idea that violence is an acceptable and effective method of solving problems, and to role models who use physical force in this manner, what are they to think but that they should pound Johnny when Johnny won't immediately surrender the coveted fire truck?