Children are nurtured on images of rape, torture, bombings, and massacre from infancy onwards, and while some may find that cool, others think it's downright damaging.

Humans have always been fascinated by violence, but it was not until this century that it invaded the home on television screens and took a hand in raising the young. The daily quarrels among some youths, public hangings, even violence news and a barrage of stabbings, beatings, are shown just inches from the faces of impressionable youths or children.

Entertainment violence can affect people in four different ways. The constant immersion in virtual violence can make people more fearful, numb to violence, hungry for more, or even more aggressive in the real world.

The barrage of artificial violence can be especially damaging to young children, particularly at the ages 2 and 3, when they are developing the ability to empathize. The mass media has to endeavour more to discourage violence. We should discuss more about the violence and the rising rates of child abuse, domestic violence, and homicides and other violent crimes by children. Though sensitisation has been going on through the media over violence in general, more is needed.

Satellite stations (cable networks) were not common in the past; they provide access to a powerful medium. Likewise, websites have sprung up that enable those opposed to this kind of violence to communicate and organize.

Entertainment violence is so pervasive in our society today that it needs the thoughtful and well-rounded look. Some youths do not take the law into consideration anymore before they involve in fighting or other forms of violence. Violence is among the high rate crimes in our courts. Most of these cases are between two or more friends, neighbours or even family member.

Normally most disputes that lead to violence in the community are minor misunderstandings that could have been settled amicably. If there is not enough or adequate sensitisation, a minor problem can escalate to bigger problem. The reaction of the youths to violence needs control. This could only be done with the efforts of the parents and the law enforcement agencies.

It is important that we keep our streets clean and get rid of object like bottles, clubs, metal pieces and others from the reach of children. Intervention is another means of controlling violence among the children. Parents should be careful of what their children are engaged in. Parents should monitor and know the type of company their children keep. It is necessary that everyone be a peace broker through giving genuine information to the law enforcement agencies.

Parents should stop wringing their hands and turn and see to what their children are doing. Another important thing to do is to know what constitutes violence. It can through hitting, shooting, and verbal aggression.