Young children see and hear many things that their little eyes and ears are not ready for hearing and seeing. They are exposed to adult talk, inappropriate songs, and less than pure television shows.
In many cases they repeat the things that they hear and see. They often use these things as attempts for gaining attention or to feel more grown up.
It is not unusual to hear at least one kindergarten student each year make inappropriate comments or use “dirty” words. In most cases the child has no idea or a complete understanding of what he or she has said. The words were used in an attempt to gain a laugh or reaction from friends.
Children who have been exposed to video games and violent movies are known to pretend play the things that they saw and heard. Each year there are always a few kindergarten students who have to be corrected for pretend shooting with guns.
In some cases, small children even make threats on teachers and other students. There have been times when a young child has even threatened someone else with shooting.
The real question comes with how serious we, as educators and parents, should take these comments.
I feel that hearing comments such as these from a five year old is much different than hearing them from a thirteen year old.
Young children do not fully understand the seriousness of their comments or even the concept of death. They also are much more incapable of carrying out the act.
While I do believe that the comment should be recorded in the student’s file and the child should speak with the counselor about the comment, I do not think it would be necessary to involve the law. The child’s parents should be contacted. If the comments continue then further action would be required.
Call for School Violence Meeting