I think the thing that is missing is accountablility. Yes, sometimes the only way is with violence. Yes, sometimes you need to use that gun in your drawer to protect yourself. But I think it is teaching kids that they will be held accountable for their actions is what is missing. Violence on TV may give new ideas to young people, but if they have been taught accountablility, they will think much longer and harder before they ever act on these new ideas.

If my child ever came home and told me they got into a fight, and I found out it was for helping out someone that was being bullied, I would back them up. But, I would not dispute a detention or suspension. I may agree with what he did, but he still has to take responsibilty for his actions.

Too me, it almost seems like parents feel like they were unjustly punished for so much when they were younger, that it must be happening to their children now. "My son would never do that!" or "How dare you say such things about my angel!" If parents would just make their children more accountable for their own actions, the world would start getting back on the right track.