Breaking News: Pakistan Bus Blast: Three Children, Cop Among Five Killed

Pakistan Bus Blast: Three Children, Cop Among Five Killed

Israel has released harrowing images allegedly showing children's teeth picked out by excavators in the Kibbutz Be'eri area of Israel. These children were allegedly targeted by Hamas and burnt to death during its terror attack on October 7.&nbsp;

Israel government spokesman Eylon Levy shared four pictures on X, saying they showed teeth of of children who were brutally killed in Hamas' attack in Kibbutz Be'eri.

Disclaimer: Some viewers may find the images distressing. Discretion is advised.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Hamas literally cremated children alive. I’m sorry I can’t show you their bodies, because they don’t exist anymore. <a href="https://t.co/3UyCF9rJsD">pic.twitter.com/3UyCF9rJsD</a>
— Eylon Levy (@EylonALevy) <a href="https://twitter.com/EylonALevy/status/1719655032251892097?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 1, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Levy, in a comment alongside the images he shared on Tuesday (Oct 31), said: "These are the murdered Israeli children of Kibbutz Be’eri. They were tortured, dismembered, and then burned to death. Archaeologists are sifting through the rubble to find their teeth."

More than 1,400 people lost their lives on the Israeli side during Hamas’s surprise attack.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-strikes-on-gaza-refugee-camp-kills-another-hamas-leader-654267">Also read |&nbsp;Israeli strikes on Gaza refugee camp kill another Hamas leader</a>

<h2>Children bear the brunt of war&nbsp;</h2>

The Israel-Hamas war has been traumatic, particularly for innocent children.&nbsp;

The IDF had previously claimed that Hamas had 'butchered' children in Israel's border town&nbsp;kibbutz Kfar Aza. 
 
The Hamas has repeatedly refuted such accusations.

Children and elderly have also been among those reported kidnapped by Hamas militants.

<h2>Children in Gaza suffer too&nbsp;</h2>

Images from both Israel and Gaza have shown crying children running through the streets.

In Gaza, the bodies of children killed in shelling were covered in blankets and carried by their fathers in funeral processions.&nbsp;

"Nothing justifies the killing, maiming or abducting of children -- grave rights violations which UNICEF wholeheartedly condemns. Yet less than 72 hours after the outbreak of horrific violence in Israel, reports indicate that grave rights violations against children are rampant," UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell said in a statement.&nbsp;

"Many children have been killed or injured, while countless others have been exposed to the violence," she added.&nbsp;

<h2>A 'health disaster' unfolds</h2>

Palestinian are facing challenges such as food and water shortages, mental health stress, and displacement-related health risks. 
 
The effects extend beyond war-torn areas to affect people worldwide.

The United Nations' World Food Programme (WFP) raised concerns about the Gaza Strip, where vital supplies are running low due to Israel's total blockade following Hamas attacks.

Food and water shortages in the region are rapidly edging towards a dire situation.&nbsp;

Also watch |&nbsp;Israel kills 'another' Hamas Commander, 195 killed in Jabalia attack

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-palestine-war-israel-kills-another-hamas-commander-195-killed-in-jabalia-attack-654320/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) warned of a lack of fuel for hospital generators in Gaza and stranded stocks of aid and medicine.

Dr Yasser Ali from the Shuhada Al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir Al-Balah shared with Reuters the dire situation in Gaza, where the capacity of morgues is insufficient to accommodate the number of casualties.

In Gaza City, preparations are underway to create mass graves due to the large number of unburied bodies.

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Israel has released harrowing images allegedly showing children's teeth picked out by excavators in the Kibbutz Be'eri area of Israel. These children were allegedly targeted by Hamas and burnt to death during its terror attack on October 7.

Israel has released harrowing images allegedly showing children's teeth picked out by excavators in the Kibbutz Be'eri area of Israel. These children were allegedly targeted by Hamas and burnt to death during its terror attack on October 7. Israel government spokesman Eylon Levy shared four pictures on X, saying they showed teeth of of children who were brutally killed in Hamas' attack in Kibbutz Be'eri. Disclaimer: Some viewers may find the images distressing. Discretion is advised. Hamas literally cremated children alive. I’m sorry I can’t show you their bodies, because they don’t exist anymore. pic.twitter.com/3UyCF9rJsD — Eylon Levy (@EylonALevy) November 1, 2023 × Levy, in a comment alongside the images he shared on Tuesday (Oct 31), said: "These are the murdered Israeli children of Kibbutz Be’eri. They were tortured, dismembered, and then burned to death. Archaeologists are sifting through the rubble to find their teeth." More than 1,400 people lost their lives on the Israeli side during Hamas’s surprise attack. Also read | Israeli strikes on Gaza refugee camp kill another Hamas leader Children bear the brunt of war The Israel-Hamas war has been traumatic, particularly for innocent children. The IDF had previously claimed that Hamas had 'butchered' children in Israel's border town kibbutz Kfar Aza. The Hamas has repeatedly refuted such accusations. Children and elderly have also been among those reported kidnapped by Hamas militants. Children in Gaza suffer too Images from both Israel and Gaza have shown crying children running through the streets. In Gaza, the bodies of children killed in shelling were covered in blankets and carried by their fathers in funeral processions. "Nothing justifies the killing, maiming or abducting of children -- grave rights violations which UNICEF wholeheartedly condemns. Yet less than 72 hours after the outbreak of horrific violence in Israel, reports indicate that grave rights violations against children are rampant," UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell said in a statement. "Many children have been killed or injured, while countless others have been exposed to the violence," she added. A 'health disaster' unfolds Palestinian are facing challenges such as food and water shortages, mental health stress, and displacement-related health risks. The effects extend beyond war-torn areas to affect people worldwide. The United Nations' World Food Programme (WFP) raised concerns about the Gaza Strip, where vital supplies are running low due to Israel's total blockade following Hamas attacks. Food and water shortages in the region are rapidly edging towards a dire situation. Also watch | Israel kills 'another' Hamas Commander, 195 killed in Jabalia attack The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) warned of a lack of fuel for hospital generators in Gaza and stranded stocks of aid and medicine. Dr Yasser Ali from the Shuhada Al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir Al-Balah shared with Reuters the dire situation in Gaza, where the capacity of morgues is insufficient to accommodate the number of casualties. In Gaza City, preparations are underway to create mass graves due to the large number of unburied bodies. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Teeth of children allegedly burnt by Hamas found under debris in Israel, minister shares images

In an assault that took place on April 11, 2023, in Myanmar's Pa Zi Gyi village,&nbsp;the military junta used&nbsp;helicopter gunships and fighter jets to rain down fire and bombs on a village festivity, asserting their intent to target "terrorists."

However, amidst the casualties on that day, marking the most lethal strike by junta forces against non-combatants since its takeover two years ago, numerous women and children lost their lives, including a child as young as six months old, reported the Washington Post.

April 11 marked the prelude to Thingyan, the revered Buddhist water festival that heralds the Myanmar New Year. As several hundred people joined in&nbsp;to enjoy breakfast at&nbsp;a social gathering&nbsp;for the inauguration of a public administration hall,&nbsp;little did they know that their lives were on the brink of an unimaginable upheaval.

<h2>Carnage erupts</h2>

In the midst of the festivities, an explosive event forever altered the landscape. A&nbsp;a military jet soared above, releasing a devastating blast that obliterated the newly constructed edifice and claimed numerous lives. Amid the chaos, a helicopter gunship descended, methodically attacking survivors, resulting in widespread devastation and loss of life.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/unintended-consequence-military-airstrikes-in-myanmar-signal-chinese-claws-sharpened-by-ukraine-war-582003">Unintended consequence: Military airstrikes in Myanmar signal Chinese claws sharpened by Ukraine war</a>

<h2>Heart-wrenching toll</h2>

The aftermath of the assault revealed a grim reality — at least 157 lives were lost, marking one of the deadliest acts by the Myanmar military since wresting control from a civilian government in 2021. Among the victims were a staggering 25 children, some mere infants.&nbsp;

<h2>Evidence and accusations</h2>

While the military acknowledged responsibility for the attack, its claims of&nbsp;targeting rebel forces were refuted by extensive evidence. Visual documentation provided exclusively to The Washington Post highlighted the appalling toll on innocent lives. The accounts of survivors and medics, as reported by The Washington Post, painted a grim picture of dismembered bodies, shattered families, and shattered dreams.

<h2>A weapon of destruction</h2>

Weapons experts analysed the evidence and suggested that a thermobaric bomb, drawing oxygen as fuel, was employed. The result was a catastrophic detonation that engulfed the site in carnage. This act underscored the junta's willingness to employ brutal force in its relentless pursuit of crushing opposition movements.

Also watch |&nbsp;Is China using new railway line to extend influence in Myanmar?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/is-china-using-new-railway-line-to-extend-influence-in-myanmar-622400/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<h2>The long road to justice</h2>

As survivors grappled with their trauma and grief, international entities like the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar have decried the attack as a war crime. The tragedy at Pa Zi Gyi serves as a chilling example of the indiscriminate violence inflicted upon civilians and the deliberate campaign to quash resistance.

&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe>

In an assault that took place on April 11, 2023, in Myanmar's Pa Zi Gyi village, the military junta used helicopter gunships and fighter jets to rain down fire and bombs on a village festivity, asserting their intent to target "terrorists.

In an assault that took place on April 11, 2023, in Myanmar's Pa Zi Gyi village, the military junta used helicopter gunships and fighter jets to rain down fire and bombs on a village festivity, asserting their intent to target "terrorists." However, amidst the casualties on that day, marking the most lethal strike by junta forces against non-combatants since its takeover two years ago, numerous women and children lost their lives, including a child as young as six months old, reported the Washington Post. April 11 marked the prelude to Thingyan, the revered Buddhist water festival that heralds the Myanmar New Year. As several hundred people joined in to enjoy breakfast at a social gathering for the inauguration of a public administration hall, little did they know that their lives were on the brink of an unimaginable upheaval. Carnage erupts In the midst of the festivities, an explosive event forever altered the landscape. A a military jet soared above, releasing a devastating blast that obliterated the newly constructed edifice and claimed numerous lives. Amid the chaos, a helicopter gunship descended, methodically attacking survivors, resulting in widespread devastation and loss of life. Also read | Unintended consequence: Military airstrikes in Myanmar signal Chinese claws sharpened by Ukraine war Heart-wrenching toll The aftermath of the assault revealed a grim reality — at least 157 lives were lost, marking one of the deadliest acts by the Myanmar military since wresting control from a civilian government in 2021. Among the victims were a staggering 25 children, some mere infants. Evidence and accusations While the military acknowledged responsibility for the attack, its claims of targeting rebel forces were refuted by extensive evidence. Visual documentation provided exclusively to The Washington Post highlighted the appalling toll on innocent lives. The accounts of survivors and medics, as reported by The Washington Post, painted a grim picture of dismembered bodies, shattered families, and shattered dreams. A weapon of destruction Weapons experts analysed the evidence and suggested that a thermobaric bomb, drawing oxygen as fuel, was employed. The result was a catastrophic detonation that engulfed the site in carnage. This act underscored the junta's willingness to employ brutal force in its relentless pursuit of crushing opposition movements. Also watch | Is China using new railway line to extend influence in Myanmar? The long road to justice As survivors grappled with their trauma and grief, international entities like the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar have decried the attack as a war crime. The tragedy at Pa Zi Gyi serves as a chilling example of the indiscriminate violence inflicted upon civilians and the deliberate campaign to quash resistance. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Myanmar junta airstrike targeted at 'terrorists' killed at least 25 children, including infants

At least 17&nbsp;children&nbsp;of a religious seminary&nbsp;were killed after their boat capsized in the Tanda dam in northwest Pakistan on Sunday, officials said. Besides, as many as 13 students were injured and had been taken to hospital, said Furqan Khan, the deputy commissioner of Kohat district in northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province where the accident took place, reports AFP news agency.

Officials said the students, aged between seven and 14 years, of Madrassa Mirbash Khel were on an excursion trip when their boat capsized in the Tanda Dam lake in Kohat district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, reports PTI news agency.&nbsp;The rescue workers have recovered 17 bodies, they added. 
 
Khan said the rescue operation is still on to locate the missing students but did not provide further details on how many were still missing.

A local police officer, Mir Rauf, said that all of the dead have been recovered from Tanda Dam lake, while 13 have been injured in the accident.

According to local reports, the boat was carrying between 25 and 30 students on a daytrip from a local madrassa when it overturned.&nbsp;

Mass drownings are common in Pakistan when aged and overloaded vessels lose their stability and pitch passengers into the water.

Caretaker Chief Minister Azam Khan expressed grief over the incident and directed the district administration and rescue organisations to start a rescue operation on an emergency basis.

“All available resources should be utilised for the safe recovery of the persons who drowned in the incident,” he said in a statement.

This is not the first time that mass drownings were reported in Pakistan. The often-cited problems for such are overloaded vessels that lose stability.

In July,&nbsp;18 women drowned&nbsp;when an overcrowded boat carrying a wedding party across the Indus river in Rahim Yar Khan had capsized.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE: 

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

At least 17 children of a religious seminary were killed after their boat capsized in the Tanda dam in northwest Pakistan on Sunday, officials said. Besides, as many as 13 students were injured and had been taken to hospital, said Furqan Khan, the deputy commissioner of Kohat district in northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province where the accident took place, reports AFP news agency.

At least 17 children of a religious seminary were killed after their boat capsized in the Tanda dam in northwest Pakistan on Sunday, officials said. Besides, as many as 13 students were injured and had been taken to hospital, said Furqan Khan, the deputy commissioner of Kohat district in northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province where the accident took place, reports AFP news agency. Officials said the students, aged between seven and 14 years, of Madrassa Mirbash Khel were on an excursion trip when their boat capsized in the Tanda Dam lake in Kohat district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, reports PTI news agency. The rescue workers have recovered 17 bodies, they added. Khan said the rescue operation is still on to locate the missing students but did not provide further details on how many were still missing. A local police officer, Mir Rauf, said that all of the dead have been recovered from Tanda Dam lake, while 13 have been injured in the accident. According to local reports, the boat was carrying between 25 and 30 students on a daytrip from a local madrassa when it overturned. Mass drownings are common in Pakistan when aged and overloaded vessels lose their stability and pitch passengers into the water. Caretaker Chief Minister Azam Khan expressed grief over the incident and directed the district administration and rescue organisations to start a rescue operation on an emergency basis. “All available resources should be utilised for the safe recovery of the persons who drowned in the incident,” he said in a statement. This is not the first time that mass drownings were reported in Pakistan. The often-cited problems for such are overloaded vessels that lose stability. In July, 18 women drowned when an overcrowded boat carrying a wedding party across the Indus river in Rahim Yar Khan had capsized. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

At least 17 kids killed after boat carrying them capsizes in Pakistan

In pics | Tears and flowers: Families mourn Thai nursery massacre victims

Forty-seven&nbsp;children&nbsp;were "killed&nbsp;or&nbsp;maimed" in&nbsp;Yemen's civil war in January and February following a surge in violence, the United Nations&nbsp;children's fund said on Saturday.

Children&nbsp;are the "first and most to suffer",&nbsp;UNICEF&nbsp;said, adding that a total of at least over 10,000 minors have been&nbsp;killed&nbsp;or injured in a war that has raged since 2015.

"Just over the first&nbsp;two&nbsp;months&nbsp;of this year,&nbsp;47&nbsp;children&nbsp;were reportedly&nbsp;killed&nbsp;or&nbsp;maimed&nbsp;in several locations across&nbsp;Yemen," Philippe Duamelle,&nbsp;UNICEF&nbsp;representative to&nbsp;Yemen, said in a statement.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-angelina-jolie-visits-yemen-to-help-refugees-amid-ukraine-russia-war-459827">Angelina Jolie visits Yemen to help refugees amid Ukraine-Russia war</a>

"Since the conflict escalated in&nbsp;Yemen&nbsp;nearly seven years ago, the UN verified that more than 10,200&nbsp;children&nbsp;have been&nbsp;killed&nbsp;or injured. The actual number is likely much higher."

In the Ukraine war, at least 71&nbsp;children&nbsp;have been&nbsp;killed&nbsp;and more than 100 wounded in&nbsp;two&nbsp;weeks since Russia's invasion on February 24, a Ukrainian parliament official said Thursday.

Hundreds of thousands of people have died as a direct or indirect consequence of&nbsp;Yemen's war between Iran-backed Huthi rebels and a government forces backed by a Saudi-led military coalition.

In November, the UN Development Programme said 377,000 lives would have been lost through fighting, hunger, unclean water and disease by the end of 2021.

"Violence, misery and grief have been commonplace in&nbsp;Yemen&nbsp;with severe consequences on millions of&nbsp;children&nbsp;and families," Duamelle said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/doctors-without-borders-workers-kidnapped-in-yemen-report-459484">Doctors Without Borders workers kidnapped in Yemen: Report</a>

"It is high time that a sustainable political solution is reached for people and their&nbsp;children&nbsp;to finally live in the peace they so well deserve."

The conflict has caused a collapse in basic services such as healthcare and education, with millions of people displaced and 80 percent of the population dependent on aid.

More than 2,500 schools are unusable, according to&nbsp;UNICEF, as they have been destroyed, converted for military purposes, or used to shelter the displaced.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: The Yemen Conflict is intensifying

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-the-yemen-conflict-is-intensifying-450272/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

A report released by the UN Security Council in January said nearly 2,000&nbsp;children&nbsp;recruited by the rebels had died on the battlefield between January 2020 and May 2021.

Forty-seven children were "killed or maimed" in Yemen's civil war in January and February following a surge in violence, the United Nations children's fund said on Saturday.

Forty-seven children were "killed or maimed" in Yemen's civil war in January and February following a surge in violence, the United Nations children's fund said on Saturday. Children are the "first and most to suffer", UNICEF said, adding that a total of at least over 10,000 minors have been killed or injured in a war that has raged since 2015. "Just over the first two months of this year, 47 children were reportedly killed or maimed in several locations across Yemen," Philippe Duamelle, UNICEF representative to Yemen, said in a statement. Also read | Angelina Jolie visits Yemen to help refugees amid Ukraine-Russia war "Since the conflict escalated in Yemen nearly seven years ago, the UN verified that more than 10,200 children have been killed or injured. The actual number is likely much higher." In the Ukraine war, at least 71 children have been killed and more than 100 wounded in two weeks since Russia's invasion on February 24, a Ukrainian parliament official said Thursday. Hundreds of thousands of people have died as a direct or indirect consequence of Yemen's war between Iran-backed Huthi rebels and a government forces backed by a Saudi-led military coalition. In November, the UN Development Programme said 377,000 lives would have been lost through fighting, hunger, unclean water and disease by the end of 2021. "Violence, misery and grief have been commonplace in Yemen with severe consequences on millions of children and families," Duamelle said. Also read | Doctors Without Borders workers kidnapped in Yemen: Report "It is high time that a sustainable political solution is reached for people and their children to finally live in the peace they so well deserve." The conflict has caused a collapse in basic services such as healthcare and education, with millions of people displaced and 80 percent of the population dependent on aid. More than 2,500 schools are unusable, according to UNICEF, as they have been destroyed, converted for military purposes, or used to shelter the displaced. Watch | Gravitas: The Yemen Conflict is intensifying A report released by the UN Security Council in January said nearly 2,000 children recruited by the rebels had died on the battlefield between January 2020 and May 2021.

47 children killed, maimed in Yemen in two months: UNICEF

As many as 31 children have died so far in the month of June reportedly due to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) in the Muzaffarpur district.

Sunil Shahi, Superintendent SKMCH, Muzaffarpur, told ANI, "From January to June 2, 13 patients were admitted, of them, three had died.&nbsp;

However, since the beginning of June to this day 86 people have been admitted and of them, 31 have died".

In total 109 have been admitted in this year so far in which 34 children have died, he said.

As many as 14 children have died due to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES).

Encephalitis is a viral infection, which causes mild flu-like symptoms such as a fever or a headache. &nbsp;

As many as 31 children have died so far in the month of June reportedly due to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) in the Muzaffarpur district. Sunil Shahi, Superintendent SKMCH, Muzaffarpur, told ANI, "From January to June 2, 13 patients were admitted, of them, three had died.

As many as 31 children have died so far in the month of June reportedly due to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) in the Muzaffarpur district. Sunil Shahi, Superintendent SKMCH, Muzaffarpur, told ANI, "From January to June 2, 13 patients were admitted, of them, three had died. However, since the beginning of June to this day 86 people have been admitted and of them, 31 have died". In total 109 have been admitted in this year so far in which 34 children have died, he said. As many as 14 children have died due to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES). Encephalitis is a viral infection, which causes mild flu-like symptoms such as a fever or a headache.

Muzaffarpur: 31 children died of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome in June

After a shooter killed 17 people at a Florida high school, many have expressed frustration at the political hand-wringing over gun control and calls for prayer.

As a parent, I understand the desire for practical responses to school shootings. I also absolutely believe the government should do more to prevent such incidents. But the gun control debate has proven so divisive and ineffective that I am weary of waiting for politicians to act.

I study the kind of aggressive childhood behavior that often predates school shootings. That research suggests what communities and families can start doing today to better protect children. Here are 10 actions we can all take while the federal government drags its heels.

What schools can do

Because educators observe students&rsquo; emotional and behavioral development daily, they are best positioned to detect troubled behaviors and intervene. In Los Angeles, for example, schools have successfully used outreach and training to identify potentially violent students before problems occur.

1. Teach social and emotional skills

Children learn social skills from everyday interactions with each other. Playtime teaches young people how to control their emotions, recognize others&rsquo; feelings and to negotiate. Neighborhood &ldquo;kick the can&rdquo; games, for example, require cooperation to have fun &ndash; all without adult supervision.

Today, frequent social media use and a decrease in free play time have reduced children&rsquo;s opportunities to learn these basic social skills.

But social and emotional skills can &ndash; and should &ndash; be taught in school as a way to prevent student violence. Students with more fluent social skills connect better with others and may be more able to recognize troubled peers who need help.

2. Hire more counselors and school resource officers

Due to budget cuts, many schools have few or no trained school psychologists, social workers or adjustment counselors on staff. These mental health professionals are society&rsquo;s first line of defense against troubled students &ndash; especially with the current increase in adolescent depression and anxiety.

In my opinion, school resource officers &ndash; trained police officers who work with children &ndash; are also helpful for students. While untrained officers may pose a threat to students, well-trained school resource officers can connect with kids who have few other relationships, acting as a support system. They are also on hand to respond quickly if crime or violence erupts.

Putting trained school resource officers and counselors in every school will cost money, but I believe it will save lives.

3. Use technology to identify troubled students

Technology may challenge kids&rsquo; social development, but it can also be harnessed for good. Anonymous reporting systems &ndash; perhaps text-message based &ndash; can make it easier for parents and students to alert law enforcement and school counselors to kids who seem disconnected or disturbed. That enables early intervention.

In Steamboat Springs, Colorado, one such tip appeared to prevent extreme violence in May 2017. Police took a young man who&rsquo;d threatened to harm his peers into protective custody before he could act on his words.

What communities can do

Communities also help raise children. With many eyes and ears, they can detect often smaller problems before young people grow into violence.

4. Doctors should conduct standard mental health screenings

Extreme violence is almost always preceded by certain behavioral problems. These typically include a propensity toward aggression, a marked lack of social connectedness, indications of serious mental illness and a fascination with violence and guns.

Doctors could detect these problems early on with a standardized screening at health checkups. If concerns arise, referrals to counseling or other mental health professionals might follow.

5. Enlist social media companies in the effort to detect threats

Most young people today use social media to express their feelings and aspirations. In the case of school shooters, these posts are often violent. A single violent post is hardly a guarantee of homicidal acts, of course. But evidence strongly indicates that repeated expressions of this nature can be a sign of trouble.

I would like to see companies like Instagram, Twitter and Snapchat create algorithms that identify repeated online threats and automatically alert local law enforcement.

What parents can do

Parents and guardians are often the first to detect their child&rsquo;s emotional struggles. Here are some tips for monitoring and promoting healthy emotional development at home.

6. Think critically about your child&rsquo;s social media use

From virtual war games to cruel trolls, the internet is full of violence. The relationship between violent content and aggression hasn&rsquo;t been consistent in research: Some studies see no relationship at all, while others find some correlation between violent video games and violent behavior.

This mixed evidence suggests that online content affects children differently, so parents must assess how well their child handles it. If your daughter likes &ldquo;Assassin&rsquo;s Creed&rdquo; but is gentle, socially successful and happy, the onscreen violence may not be strongly impacting her.&nbsp;

But if your child is drawn to violent games and tends to be aggressive or troubled, discuss the situation with your pediatrician or school counselor.

7. Consider what your child is missing out on

Is your child sleeping properly? Do your kids socialize with other young people? These two behaviors are linked to mental health in children, and excessive screen time can reduce or diminish the quality of both.

Make sure digital devices aren&rsquo;t disrupting your kids&rsquo; sleep, and schedule play dates if your kids don&rsquo;t make plans on their own.

8. Assess your child&rsquo;s relationships

Like adults, children need confidants to feel invested in and connected with their community. The trusted person can be parent, a family member or a friend &ndash; just make sure someone&rsquo;s playing that role.

For children who struggle to make friends and build relationships, there are programs that can help them learn how.

9. Fret productively about screen time

Research shows that excessive screen time can damage kids&rsquo; brains. That&rsquo;s alarming in part because parents can&rsquo;t realistically keep kids entirely off devices.

So rather than just fret over screen time, focus instead on how children can benefit from a variety of activities. Evidence shows that children who experience different pursuits over the course of their day &ndash; from sports and music to an after-school job &ndash; are happier and healthier for it.

10. Talk with your child

This is both the easiest and hardest way to make sure your kids are doing OK. Children, especially teenagers, don&rsquo;t always want to talk about how life is going. Ask anyway.

My research shows that simply asking children about their friends, their technology use and their day is an important way to show you care. Even if they don&rsquo;t respond, your interest demonstrates that you&rsquo;re there for them.

Try this one now. Ask your children what they&rsquo;re thinking about the shooting in Florida and how they like their friends and school. Then listen.&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Schools, parents, and communities all have a role to play in preventing school shootings. Most importantly, we need to discuss with kids about their lives.

After a shooter killed 17 people at a Florida high school, many have expressed frustration at the political hand-wringing over gun control and calls for prayer. As a parent, I understand the desire for practical responses to school shootings. I also absolutely believe the government should do more to prevent such incidents. But the gun control debate has proven so divisive and ineffective that I am weary of waiting for politicians to act. I study the kind of aggressive childhood behavior that often predates school shootings. That research suggests what communities and families can start doing today to better protect children. Here are 10 actions we can all take while the federal government drags its heels. What schools can do Because educators observe students’ emotional and behavioral development daily, they are best positioned to detect troubled behaviors and intervene. In Los Angeles, for example, schools have successfully used outreach and training to identify potentially violent students before problems occur. 1. Teach social and emotional skills Children learn social skills from everyday interactions with each other. Playtime teaches young people how to control their emotions, recognize others’ feelings and to negotiate. Neighborhood “kick the can” games, for example, require cooperation to have fun – all without adult supervision. Today, frequent social media use and a decrease in free play time have reduced children’s opportunities to learn these basic social skills. But social and emotional skills can – and should – be taught in school as a way to prevent student violence. Students with more fluent social skills connect better with others and may be more able to recognize troubled peers who need help. 2. Hire more counselors and school resource officers Due to budget cuts, many schools have few or no trained school psychologists, social workers or adjustment counselors on staff. These mental health professionals are society’s first line of defense against troubled students – especially with the current increase in adolescent depression and anxiety. In my opinion, school resource officers – trained police officers who work with children – are also helpful for students. While untrained officers may pose a threat to students, well-trained school resource officers can connect with kids who have few other relationships, acting as a support system. They are also on hand to respond quickly if crime or violence erupts. Putting trained school resource officers and counselors in every school will cost money, but I believe it will save lives. 3. Use technology to identify troubled students Technology may challenge kids’ social development, but it can also be harnessed for good. Anonymous reporting systems – perhaps text-message based – can make it easier for parents and students to alert law enforcement and school counselors to kids who seem disconnected or disturbed. That enables early intervention. In Steamboat Springs, Colorado, one such tip appeared to prevent extreme violence in May 2017. Police took a young man who’d threatened to harm his peers into protective custody before he could act on his words. What communities can do Communities also help raise children. With many eyes and ears, they can detect often smaller problems before young people grow into violence. 4. Doctors should conduct standard mental health screenings Extreme violence is almost always preceded by certain behavioral problems. These typically include a propensity toward aggression, a marked lack of social connectedness, indications of serious mental illness and a fascination with violence and guns. Doctors could detect these problems early on with a standardized screening at health checkups. If concerns arise, referrals to counseling or other mental health professionals might follow. 5. Enlist social media companies in the effort to detect threats Most young people today use social media to express their feelings and aspirations. In the case of school shooters, these posts are often violent. A single violent post is hardly a guarantee of homicidal acts, of course. But evidence strongly indicates that repeated expressions of this nature can be a sign of trouble. I would like to see companies like Instagram, Twitter and Snapchat create algorithms that identify repeated online threats and automatically alert local law enforcement. What parents can do Parents and guardians are often the first to detect their child’s emotional struggles. Here are some tips for monitoring and promoting healthy emotional development at home. 6. Think critically about your child’s social media use From virtual war games to cruel trolls, the internet is full of violence. The relationship between violent content and aggression hasn’t been consistent in research: Some studies see no relationship at all, while others find some correlation between violent video games and violent behavior. This mixed evidence suggests that online content affects children differently, so parents must assess how well their child handles it. If your daughter likes “Assassin’s Creed” but is gentle, socially successful and happy, the onscreen violence may not be strongly impacting her. But if your child is drawn to violent games and tends to be aggressive or troubled, discuss the situation with your pediatrician or school counselor. 7. Consider what your child is missing out on Is your child sleeping properly? Do your kids socialize with other young people? These two behaviors are linked to mental health in children, and excessive screen time can reduce or diminish the quality of both. Make sure digital devices aren’t disrupting your kids’ sleep, and schedule play dates if your kids don’t make plans on their own. 8. Assess your child’s relationships Like adults, children need confidants to feel invested in and connected with their community. The trusted person can be parent, a family member or a friend – just make sure someone’s playing that role. For children who struggle to make friends and build relationships, there are programs that can help them learn how. 9. Fret productively about screen time Research shows that excessive screen time can damage kids’ brains. That’s alarming in part because parents can’t realistically keep kids entirely off devices. So rather than just fret over screen time, focus instead on how children can benefit from a variety of activities. Evidence shows that children who experience different pursuits over the course of their day – from sports and music to an after-school job – are happier and healthier for it. 10. Talk with your child This is both the easiest and hardest way to make sure your kids are doing OK. Children, especially teenagers, don’t always want to talk about how life is going. Ask anyway. My research shows that simply asking children about their friends, their technology use and their day is an important way to show you care. Even if they don’t respond, your interest demonstrates that you’re there for them. Try this one now. Ask your children what they’re thinking about the shooting in Florida and how they like their friends and school. Then listen. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Florida shooting teaches us 10 ways to safeguard our children

children-killed

Children Killed, News on Children Killed, stories on Children Killed, articles on Children Killed, Children Killed stories at Wion, Children Killed news, Children Killed latest news