The ongoing publicity and litigation surrounding the sexual assault upon three students from Mepham High School that took place this past summer during the school's football training camp remain very disturbing to parents, educators and to many local communities. We have all tried to comprehend the reported use of broomsticks, duct tape, pinecones, golf balls, mineral ice and racial slurs as an arsenal of dangerous weapons. However, in the hands of a bully or violent youth, mostly anything can become a weapon capable of causing injury or death.

Unfortunately, violence has become a way of life for many children who try to cope with perceived social and/or emotional pressures. Given the images we encounter daily through television, movies, in music videos, on the Internet, or in our homes, bullying and youth violence is a significant social problem we must address. The incidence of youth violence in our nation is so prevalent that under President Clinton, the Surgeon General was asked to develop a special report describing the magnitude of the problem, its causes and potential responses.

What would possess children to threaten or hurt other children? Research suggests several factors that may contribute to bullying and youth violence. Among the more common causes are: substance use; low family socioeconomic status; antisocial behavior at home; harsh or poor parental discipline; neglect; psychological conditions and peer pressure. Because public health research is based on observation and statistical probabilities in large populations, risk factors can be used to predict aggression and violence among groups of children with particular characteristics or environmental conditions, but not among individuals.

As parents we must adopt a proactive approach to dealing with bullying and youth violence. The responsibility to address this problem rests with all parties affected including families, schools, law enforcement and local communities. If your child is being threatened, stalked, harassed or abused you must take this issue seriously. As parents, we must do everything rational in our power to protect the health and safety of our children. If your child is being threatened or victimized, report any incidents to the appropriate parties.

For instance, working cooperatively with school personnel you can determine the most effective way to proceed by involving law enforcement, the parents or guardians of the offender or the courts. When school is closed it may be necessary to begin by contacting law enforcement. However, the local police may not be able to involve themselves because our laws are written in ways that only allow them to respond if an actual crime has been committed, something we would all like to avoid at any cost.

The incident in Bellmore is sadly only the tip of the iceberg. Bullying and youth violence are serious problems that affect the quality of life for innocent children and families. There are trained mental health professionals who can help both the victims and perpetrators of these acts. The important step for parents and families rests in an ability to take action to stop the aggressive behavior and avoid a social and emotional catastrophe.

If you feel that your child or family needs help you can contact our counseling center at 822-6111 or visit us online at www.centralnassau.org.