My preliminary research indicates that to relax zero tolerance in a managed way can lead to a reduction in aggression. That, surely, is an avenue of enquiry worth pursuing. Parents are a key feature in this debate. The most conclusive evidence available to us so far on the development of adult aggression shows that parental physical punishment of children and their attitudes to aggression are the most significant influences. Allowing war, weapon and superhero play does not have to lead to an escalation in violent play, nor does it prevent us from tackling real aggression in a clear and consistent way.
Children are far more able to discriminate between fantasy and reality than generally assumed.
Violence and conflict are realities. We can help children to face them, and develop their abilities to deal with them peacefully. Yours Penny Dear Penny, We both share the desire for children to grow up in an environment free from violence. We both want children to be free to develop their potential through play and learning. We also recognise that parents are the main influence on the development of a child's attitude to violence.