Mighty mouse and MX missiles: Children in a violent society

Abstract

Ours is a society in which violence, or the threat of violence, is a common experience for many children. Children's fears of the dark, the boogie man, and the Headless Horseman have evolved to include fears of Darth Vadar, meltdown, and nuclear war.With our concern about violence in the home, in the neighborhood, on television, and between nations, we also must be aware of the effects of conflict and even the threat of destruction of life itself on young children. And as concerned adults, we must be prepared and willing to help children deal with living in a violent society.