by KYW's Hadas Kuznits
Violence on the streets of Philadelphia is making its way into the culture of the city's children. How does that bode for their futures?
Members of one local group says the prognosis is not good but they are working to improve the situation.
Philadelphia Citizens for Children and Youth is a child advocacy organization. Communications director Linda Wright Moore says they deal a lot with the effect that violence has on young people:
"We went to the legislature to ask that they consider making some changes in some laws so that illegal handguns can be gotten off the streets. We didn't get the warmest reception in the world, but that doesn't mean that we'll go away."
Moore says the gun violence in Philadelphia has a negative impact on the psyche of children:
"What if you're sleeping in your bedroom at night and there's a possibility that a bullet will come through the wall?"
That stress makes it difficult to focus in school:
"It's not easy to read Shakespeare if you're worried about so-and-so is mad at such-and-such and they have a gun."
She says it's crucial to engage children in something they can become passionate about:
"Kids who are occupied with something that captures their imagination and interest are not kids who end up fighting and shooting each other on the playground."
So what else can you do besides become a positive role model or mentor?
"We certainly saw in our last midterm election that when people decide they want change, they'll vote for change. And I think that there are more people than many legislatures are aware of who are concerned about gun violence."
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