=> KARACHI (APP) – Violence (homicide, suicide, and t | Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF)

Pakistan Press Foundation

=> KARACHI (APP) – Violence (homicide, suicide, and t

KARACHI (APP) – Violence (homicide, suicide, and trauma) is a leading cause of death for children, adolescents and young adults, more prevalent than disease, cancer or congenital disorders.

An Agha Khan University Hospital’s press release issued here Monday said Consultant Psychiatrist Dr Ehsan Ullah Syed discussing aspects of violence in Pakistani society at its Signs, Symptoms and Care programme referred to violence in media and its impact on children and families.

Dr. Ehsan maintained that children who spend too much time watching TV and playing video games tend to have more aggressive thoughts, feelings and behaviors and tend to assume the worst in their interaction with peers. Children who are hooked to the media (TV, movies, Internet etc.) most of the time develop violent tendencies with time and are less sensitive to blood, mayhem and disasters, he said.

Parents were therefore advised to make sure that their children are watching programmes without violent content and find alternate activities for them such as sports.

American children, ages 8 to 18, spend more time (44.5 hours per week- 61/2 hours daily) in front of computer, television, and game screens than any other activity in their lives except sleeping. Do we know if our children are spending any less time than this? he enquired.

Dr Nargis Asad, Consultant Psychologist, AKU said that violence takes multiple forms at personal and social level. Research indicates that extended exposure to violence serves to magnify the physical and psychological health risks such as injuries, increased tolerance for violent behaviors, depression, anxiety and other psychological symptoms to dangerous levels.

All social agencies such as parents, school, health professionals, state-supported programmes for children and youth, religious scholars, politicians, and the civil society have to play essential roles in creating a more peaceful tomorrow.

Consultant Psychiatrist and Chairman, Department of Psychiatry at Agha Khan University Professor Murad Moosa Khan referred to deprivation, poverty, unemployment, lack of civic facilities and precarious law and order situation as factors causing high stress levels among people.
Source: The Nation
Date:1/15/2008