Today's kids have no real world lives

I’m getting weary of all the chatter over school shootings. You probably are as well, but indulge me.

First of all, know that I am greatly saddened by the loss of life and I appreciate the fear and anxiety it puts on people — especially people with kids in school or people who are kids in school.

I’m going to try hard not to reveal my thoughts on gun control here but if you know me or just read my column regularly you may have already formed your own opinions about what I believe. That seems to be a pretty common thing to do on both sides of this crazy debate right now.

I really don’t believe putting a tag on everyone you come in contact with or everyone who pops up in your Facebook feed is going to help us solve the problem and it’s probably not going to change many opinions on either side of the debate.

I would like to offer my take on what I believe is the cause of these mass shootings. It doesn’t have much to do with gun control or teachers that are unarmed.

We have seen several generations of single-parent children come through our schools over the last few decades and our children are confused, their parents are confused and maybe even their parents as well are confused about appropriate behavior in school and other public venues.

Now we have a generation of young people who are still incapable of healthy interpersonal communication when they get out of high school or even college. They live their lives on their smart phone in social media or through texting. Violent gaming is available on their phone or in digital 3D technology on a home game system.

They don’t live in a real world where they allow themselves to experience emotions with friends and family in a healthy way that builds empathy for their fellow man. They don’t know how to deal with emotions and friends and family are often too distant to help.

Some of us were lucky enough to live most of our lives without the internet and we developed real relationships — even kids like myself overcame shyness back when things were real instead of virtual.

No one can turn back time, even though I might try that some weeks in this column. We need to do everything in our power as a society to devote more time to kids. We need them to engage, not only with family, but with friends as well. If they’re not doing that or being made to do that by a parent, get concerned.

Teachers and schools have been handcuffed from acting to actually help a child in trouble by silly laws and administration rules as well as a hands-off approach to discipline at school and at home that isn’t working.

No, we don’t need to beat our kids like was common in my generation but real punishment that you don’t back down on along with support and respect for those who spend the day with your kids would go a long way toward solving the problem. And extend a real helping hand or prayer to a parent. Many are overwhelmed, they’re lost, but they’re the only ones who can change our world.

Karl Terry writes for Clovis Media Inc. Contact him at: [email protected]