STUDENT SHOOTINGS: THE PARENTS’ ROLE

To the editor:

Youth violence is not a subject that can be adequately addressed in the space of a letter, but I do feel that a couple of significant points are in order.

I would like to reassure parents that schools are still among the safest places children can be. While random tragedies at schools are heartbreaking events, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that 99 percent of youth homicides happen at home and in neighborhoods, not on school campuses.

Unfortunately, it is not until a tragic situation occurs at or near a school that communities wake up. The murder of any child, regardless of where it happens, should be a call to action for all of us. Ignoring the problem until it hits close to home only ensures that it eventually will.

These statistics should send a strong message to parents: You are responsible for your children.

Do you know the first and last names of your children's friends? When they visit a friend, are the friend's parents at home? Have you met the parents? Do you know what is in your child's room, car, purse or backpack? Do you regulate Internet use and the amount and nature of video and audio entertainment? When you cannot personally supervise your children, do you make provisions for someone else to supervise them?

No government agency, church, day care or recreation program can or should take the place of a parent or guardian. If you fail to provide structure, supervision and love for your child, then you are not doing your job.

Structure, supervision and love cost nothing. Parents of every class can be extraordinary, just as they can be ineffective. Good parenting is within the reach of every adult who is responsible for a child.

Finally, while agencies cannot replace families, I believe they can work together to support community values and reinforce the work of parents and guardians. The health and welfare of our children must always be a priority if we expect a decent quality of life in our communities. Lessons of responsibility and moral conduct must begin at home and be reinforced by the rest of us.

Safe homes make safe communities, and safe communities have safe schools.

WALT RULFFES

LAS VEGAS

THE WRITER IS SUPERINTENDENT OF THE CLARK COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT.