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  wingman2014

  13 years ago

  I think it has a lot to do with general lack of respect for others. Everyone wants to be an individual and have their personal rights , and that is fine. but they seem to forget that others have rights too and they need to be respected also .- Posted from rhpmobile

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  RHP User

  13 years ago

  The news can be deceptive when it comes to crime stats. Right now in australia we have it pretty good with some of the lowest crime rates ever seen in pretty much every category. One area we seem to have a definite problem is in the perception of crime. People perceive that there are more murders, more sexual assaults and more violence than every before. The reality is that if you have a peak at the numbers from those who keep the records, it is a perception rather than a reality. Have a peak at BOCSAR (bureau of crime statistics and research in NSW and you can see. Anecdotally, having worked in Emergency Services for nearly twenty years I can tell you that I see overall a lot less violent assaults at pubs, glassings were an absolute scourge in the late 90's and early in the new century, we would have a grassing every few weeks with some horrific injuries. Now? I have been to three galas sings in three years. We used to have armed robberies every week or two, but now once every couple of months in the area that I work. One area I know a little bit about is gun crime. If you watch the news and current affairs shows you would think you can buy a gun at your local pub quite easily, but the reality is that between about 2003 and 2009, the price of a handgun on the black market increased by about 400%, and some of the more organised criminal syndicates found it quite hard to source them. . I don't mean any of this to belittle or poo-poo the experience of anyone who has been a victim of crime. That is another thing, one I am quite passionate about, but news and current affairs shows have a definite bias based on what will get you to watch. The reality of crime here is that we actually have it pretty good. Just my two cents worth from the front line.

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  RHP User

  13 years ago

  Quoting 'justforfunisall' The news can be deceptive when it comes to crime stats. Right now in australia we have it pretty good with some of the lowest crime rates ever seen in pretty much every category. One area we seem to have a definite problem is in the perception of crime. People perceive that there are more murders, more sexual assaults and more violence than every before. The reality is that if you have a peak at the numbers from those who keep the records, it is a perception rather than a reality. Have a peak at BOCSAR (bureau of crime statistics and research in NSW and you can see. Anecdotally, having worked in Emergency Services for nearly twenty years I can tell you that I see overall a lot less violent assaults at pubs, glassings were an absolute scourge in the late 90's and early in the new century, we would have a grassing every few weeks with some horrific injuries. Now? I have been to three galas sings in three years. We used to have armed robberies every week or two, but now once every couple of months in the area that I work. One area I know a little bit about is gun crime. If you watch the news and current affairs shows you would think you can buy a gun at your local pub quite easily, but the reality is that between about 2003 and 2009, the price of a handgun on the black market increased by about 400%, and some of the more organised criminal syndicates found it quite hard to source them. . I don't mean any of this to belittle or poo-poo the experience of anyone who has been a victim of crime. That is another thing, one I am quite passionate about, but news and current affairs shows have a definite bias based on what will get you to watch. The reality of crime here is that we actually have it pretty good. Just my two cents worth from the front line. Thanks for the alternative view. I think it's easy to get swept up in the media hysteria. Having said that, I genuinely believe that for children today, they have a whole different set of issues with 'bullying' that when we were kids - cyber bullying can really destroy a young person and often, the parents are oblivious. I attended a seminar at my son's school last year about social media and cyber bullying. It was actually quite frightening.I think the best we can do as parents is become educated ourselves about modern risks and then educate our kids about responsible use of social media, making sure they have a good support network and a place to turn to when the time comes. My oldest boy is 8 and already, he's had to deal with school yard bullying (being strangled on one occasion and held down while other kids squeezed his testicle on another). We try and help him with his assertiveness but it isn't entirely effective and it's a matter of time until the next incident I think . But still, we persevere to help him stand up for himself. So yes, Sweetgem, I do worry about what's out there, despite understanding there is an element of media hype because essentially, I'm largely powerless to stop it and protect my child. And that is not a happy thing.Mrs.

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  RHP User

  13 years ago

  Hi Sweetgem   I agree there are many "bad news" stories on the news. It can get depressing and it's one reason I don't tune in to the news anymore. I hear enough via the radio as I'm on the road for hours most days.   Justfunisall makes a good point about the bias of current affairs and news programs too.   I had experienced talking, by phone, to a relative in a war-torn country and watching CNN news to try and keep updated. My cousin was giving me a first hand eye witness account as it happened, of a particular incident where a plane was shot down as she was talking to me and looking out the window. She had to hang up and run for her own safety into a nearby bomb shelter. Half an hour later CNN was reporting the "false rumours" about a plane being shot down. WTF!   As always we have to try and give our children the lessons of life and how to protect themselves. But at the end of the day sometimes it comes down to being in the wrong place at the wrong time.   Wingman2013 - I agree respect is falling short and as parents again it is our responsibility to guide our kids.   It would be great to hear more "feel good" stories about things that are happening in our community too, but then they are rarely sensational and apparently don't attract an audience! I for one would be tuning back in to hear some good stories.   Funny how shows like Ellen are so popular (maybe its the positive slant on life that is so appealing). Could be a lesson for our news editors.   Just my views on the subject!   SFxx

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  RHP User

  13 years ago

  I agree with the above, I have pretty much cut myself off from the "commercial" news cycle apart from what I choose to see on my homepage, I take an interest in politics and the environment by searching for information rather than having bulk garbage delivered.I chose to live fairly close to my kids school, it meant a crappier house than I would have liked but they can walk to school, it doesn't bother me and the kids love it ! At their mothers house they are driven to school but the eldest (11) now takes the bus home with a friend. I am totally fine with that.Oh, I dual parent week about, I have a girl 11 and a son 8.Bullying has happened to both children, with my daughter my mother in law, ex and I all counselled her to understand what was going on and to basically rise above it, with the girls it's mainly social bullying rather than physical. My son has been physically bullied and at it's worst a karate club began using the schools hall and so at his request we signed him up, this has been brilliant as he also has a temper and the karate has been marvellous. I joined as well, so we have a father and son activity which should carry through to his teenage years and keep us both out of trouble !My strategy for keeping them out of trouble in their teens is to keep them busy and engaged, my son does his karate and also football, my daughter learns the flute and dancing. I am hoping to get them into sailing but that is more my wish than theirs !Social media like Facebook etc is unavoidable, she is too young to have an account I believe, but she does, I would rather that than her do it in secret, I have no interest in Facebook though I might have too soon, as a fallback one of her school friends mothers keeps an eye on her page and let's me know what the girls are up too ! Full credit to the school though, they have been brilliant at educating the kids and the parents with regard to the hazards of the web. For my part I simply try to teach them discernment and critical thinking in ways they understand to deal with the issues and information they are exposed too.As far as chilling down from all this, I too enjoy music and a quiet bath, but when I get really wound up or have something bugging me a good hard ride on the pushbike does wonders !Cheers,50z

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  RHP User

  13 years ago

  Every parent of every generation has concerns about their childrens future. Thats just the nuturing aspect of what parenting is. Never believe what you see on TV. The owners of these media outlets have an agenda and its not to inform people but control people..   Society is moving ahead in a much more acceptance of other peoples belefs and values.   I dont fret for my children. They will find their own way. But I have best as I can, instilled a respect for other people and led by example.

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  RHP User

  13 years ago

  But is it the number crimes that has increased, or the news coverage of them?

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  RHP User

  13 years ago

  We have basically got our older two children through those stressful years of peer pressure bullying etc...... At 21 & 18. But we still have one to go at 10. He hears a lot More in family conversations than the older two would have, so always has that advantage and having 4 adults to go to if he feels he has a problem. I have always encouraged the kids to be open about everything and have asked questions openly, "have u got condoms?" "Is he the only one of your mates that is is regularly smoking weed?" "Do u see many drugs at parties?" And believe their answers to be honest. We have never allowed computers in bedrooms when they were at school - it was in an area where we walk pass and could see what was going on. My youngest plays games online - but offers information about Who he is playing with etc. I have always believed in making sure I am approachable about any subject. Lol some of the questions I am not able to answer but am able to give advice on who to ask!!! Listen to when they talk to to you so you don't miss out on something important!!! I'm not a perfect example by any means....... but I have always listened...... Gypsy- Posted from rhpmobile

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  RHP User

  13 years ago

  Quoting 'Ms_Direct' But is it the number crimes that has increased, or the news coverage of them?   20 yrs ago. Or it was in its IRC days. Actually How many peoiple rember Encounters magazine and snail mail. Or for that case Australian Sex Magazine :)

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  RHP User

  13 years ago

  I too agree that the crime has always been out there, we just didnt have it in our face like we can now via news broadcasts all day, apps on phones and the net-its really nothing new, we just hear about it more than we were able to 30 years ago. I have 3 kids 17 down to 8, and we are pretty open with our discussions. They watch the news with me when we are home, and sometimes A Current Affair if there is something interesting on, it prompts questions, debate and understanding. My biggest fear is the drug situation to be honest. We have all snuck drinks etc im not silly enough to think my son isnt having a drink at parties, but i have begged him to not take anything , especially from strangers, and instead of me just saying "dont do it" I went on to explain what crap goes into the tablets etc, how Paramedics struggle to help you if noone knows what you've taken etc...fortunately he is very sporty, so the thought of being ill, or having brain damage or worse is enough to turn him off-I hope. I guess when my daughter gets old enough to go out ill have the discussions on drink spiking etc to have with her too. For now i have to trust that ive given them the tools to make good decisions at the time

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  RHP User

  13 years ago

  The more I witness of the world, the more I despair. Crimes and criminal behaviour may not be any worse than in the past but our access to news stories is more in our faces than ever. Even our local paper has an online forum to hash and rehash local news stories. Everyone gets a chance to have their say. Issues that have been swept under the carpet in the past are now in the open with things like the current Royal Commision into child sexual abuse putting crimes perpetrated decades ago into the limelight. Bullying is finally being recognised for the problem that it really is.I don't watch the news but tend to read snatches of news stories in the papers the man brings home, and then there's msn of course and facebook. It was through facebook that I became aware of the extent of the horrifyng rapes and murders of women in India... as did many other people who are now protesting. With the tragedy of how women are treated over there, maybe finally they will get the chance to be ttreated more with the respect they deserve as human beings rather than lowly women!Quoting 'wingman2013' I think it has a lot to do with general lack of respect for others. Everyone wants to be an individual and have their personal rights , and that is fine. but they seem to forget that others have rights too and they need to be respected also .- Posted from rhpmobile I think this statement by Wingman is all too true, even my experiences in the forums point out this attitude on a regular basis. Be daring to mention that something bothers you and damned if a whole pile of people won't start spouting that they can do/say what they want, but they sure as Hell don't feel the same way when they're on the wrong side of the equation.Out on the streets, drivers don't even pull over for emergency vehicles, forcing the emergency vehicle to slow to a crawl as they execute a right turn in front of it. How sadly ironic would it be if it were their house burning to the ground etc.My pet hate though is the Government/big business... having lived in the days when we were offered free gifts to become a bank customer and then passed through the phase of excessive fees for not having enough cash in the bank to cover a direct debit to where we are now where we're charged a dollar or two for using an atm machine. Then there's the businesses that apply a charge if you don't have a direct debit payment or online bill set up with them or if you actually want to receive a paper bill rather than an online bill. The oh so clever government gives themselves pay rises between 34,000 to 85,000 dollars in a time the county is in great debt from their mismanagement. Pffft, I think I need another drink... a strong one.

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  RHP User

  13 years ago

  A lot of this depends on the stats, and they are often affected by reporting rates. Clearly good: RBT and almost inevitable capture and conviction for PCA driving means that the terror of a child killing/being killed as a result of driving under the influence is massively diminished. Although I generally hated him, big thanks to John Howard for restrictive gun laws. I grew up with guns, I like shooting them, and boy am I glad the chance of gun death and the murder/suicide rate is down. Not so clear: the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics shows a gentle decrease in many areas of crime, including some violent crime and some property crime. Worrying: the Bureau says that sexual assault rates are up, but suggests that this may be because of changes in reporting patterns. What are the impressions of RHP members on this? Unhelpful: Law and order election auctions and shock jocks shrieking for harsher sentencing. How can you protect your nippers? 1. Never lie to them. If you level with them, they are more likely to level with you. If you tell them marijuana will destroy their lives, don't be surprised if they disbelieve you about heroin. 2. Explain, answer questions. My son was comfortable being told that websites that demean and objectify women or that glorify violence should be eschewed because they were damaging and, in the end, dishonest. 3. Expect the truth. Make it clear you want to know the truth, and that truth will not automatically lead to punishment. When your 12 year old knocks off 6 cans of your VB (like we all did, remember, along with Mum's cigarettes) better to have the alcohol danger talk than to throw a Disney about it. Sometimes they listen. Sometimes you get useful info, early warning signs and the like. 4. Love them. Love them. Love them.

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  RHP User

  13 years ago

  We don't share your concerns to anywhere near the same degree (and we have 5 children age 13-24 boys and girls).The difference is not that we don't care or don't love our children as much.. The difference is that we have not watched commercial television for a decade and therefore are not traumatized by it's sensationalism of Murder, Grievous Violence, Evil individuals, Narcotics....Realize: Fear is a powerful vehicle when it comes to ratings. Realize: These things have been happening for thousands of years. Realize: You are in control of the volume of negativity you expose yourself to daily..That's why TV's have an off button.

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  RHP User

  13 years ago

  we have access to instant information and it has changed the world. We are trying to build characters in our kids that will give them the skills to survive and thrive. Independence and independant thought, empathy, resiliance, non judgementality, curiosity, assertiveness, ethics and the ability to communicate. So far so good, we have great kids and a fantastic relationship where we can listen and talk about anything. We can only do our best by our kids, we can't shelter them from the world, it's in our faces constantly, but we can give them skills and be there to listen, talk and guide.Mrs

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  sweetgem

  13 years ago

  For sharing your thoughts and methods on how to raise and protect your children from getting hurt, etc. Your comments are very informative and I must say that there are lots of wisdom to learn from on the Forums! 👍- Posted from rhpmobile

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