It is an adult responsibility to determine what toys are suitable for children. We ask adults to consider the following: what will my child learn from this toy, game or video? Does it teach the values that I wish to encourage? Does it promote positive, cooperative play or does it promote violence and aggression? Does this toy encourage a child’s imagination?
Violent toys, games and videos aren’t child’s play. Some adults find that when children have violent toys such as swords, guns, aggressive action figures and videos, they play violently. In fact, some psychologists argue that excessive violent video gaming can become a very serious problem. Some children develop antisocial behavior and become disconnected from reality. Some become bullies. Many begin to believe that violence is a normal way of life. For information, go online to www.everydaylife.globalpost.com/violent-games-cause-behavior-problems.
Teachers Resisting Unhealthy Children’s Entertainment (TRUCE) is a national group of educators deeply concerned that children’s entertainment and toys are affecting the play and behavior of children. We recommend the TRUCE website www.truceteachers.org to any adult who desires more information on this matter.
And, on behalf of children wondering if they will receive toys, we encourage adults who donate unwrapped non-violent toys, games and videos to the Neighborhood Service Center, 126 Port St., Easton, 410-822-5015.
Rev. Nancy Sajda, President, Peace, Education And Community Effort, (P.E.A.C.E.)
Rev. Sue Browning, Minister, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship at Easton and Chair, Talbot Association of Clergy and Laity, (TACL)
Marilyn Neal, Director, Neighborhood Service Center
Jeanne Yeager, Executive Director, Mid-Shore Council on Family Violence
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