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CHICAGO, October 3, 2008—If you are worried about
your child's safety, you aren't alone.
 An overwhelming majority of U.S. adults say children are
less safe today than five years ago—at school, out
in the community and, for some, even at home.
A
survey conducted for the American Medical Association (AMA)
Alliance, by Harris Interactive, asked how people viewed
the safety of children. The AMA Alliance is a
nationwide health advocacy network with a particular interest
and focus on children's health and safety.
"It's
obvious the old ways aren't working and new efforts
are needed," said Sandi Frost, president of the AMA
Alliance. "It's a clear call for all of us to
get more involved."
Asked, "Compared
with five years ago, do you think children are safer, not
as safe or just as safe in grade school, high school, college,
their communities and their own homes?" a majority
said "not as safe" everywhere but in the home.
The breakdown:
- Not as safe in grade school – 53 percent;
- Not as safe in high school – 68 percent;
- Not as safe in college – 60 percent;
- Not as safe in the communities – 62 percent.
In addition, 60 percent of Americans say that college students
are not as safe compared to five years ago. Only in their
own homes were children just as safe (50 percent) compared
with not as safe (30 percent).
"These results convince us that there is a growing
need for volunteer networks such as ours, schools and educators,
parents and community groups, counselors and librarians and
others to take an active role in creating or expanding violence
prevention from coast to coast," said Frost, adding, "We
simply cannot sit idly by and wait for others to take action
that keeps our children safe from predators and bullies."
During
National Bullying Prevention Week, October 5-11, there are
two observances that provide an opportunity to take
action, both on Wednesday, October 8 and both co-sponsored
by the American Medical Association:
- SAVE Day, or Stop America's Violence Everywhere. "In
cities across America, as a part of SAVE Day observances,
AMA Alliance members have mentored young Americans on violence
prevention and how to avoid being bullied in school," said
Frost.
- Health Cares About Domestic Violence Day. This year the
AMA Alliance has partnered with the AMA National
Advisory Council on Violence and Abuse and the Family Violence
Prevention Fund on SAVE Day to support a national focus
on the health consequences of abuse as well as what physicians
and their families can do to identify and help victims.
Copies of the full results with methodology can be obtained
by contacting the AMA Alliance at amaa@ama-assn.org.
Community leaders wishing to partner with Alliance chapters
in launching local SAVE initiatives can contact the Alliance
at amaa@ama-assn.org.
Schools and educators, parents and community groups, counselors
and librarians who wish to research Alliance resources available
on this topic can view these and download fact sheets at www.amaalliance.org.
About the AMA Alliance
The AMA Alliance is a nonprofit association
organized in 40 states, including more than 450 counties. The Alliance
publishes six activity books for children in kindergarten
through third grade. A variety of creative exercises
teach young readers how to avoid being bullied and about
nutrition, safety and self-esteem. The coloring books
help kids focus on making healthy, positive choices.
Interested in adding a link to the Alliance directed
to resources for children?
View them on our web site at www.amaalliance.org
The AMA Alliance has been committed since 1995 to Stop America's
Violence Everywhere. SAVE combats the growing problem
of violence. The Alliance offers a children's book
series that includes the popular "You Don't Have To
Be Bullied," "Hands Are Not for Hitting," "I
Can Choose," and "I Can Be Healthy" activity
books for children. Other publications cover elder abuse,
parenting, stress, eating disorders, teen suicide and more.
Harris Interactive
Harris Interactive is a global leader
in custom market research. With a long and rich history in
multimodal research that is powered by our science and technology,
they assist clients in achieving business results. Harris
Interactive serves clients globally through their North American,
European and Asian offices and a network of independent market
research firms. For more information, please visit www.harrisinteractive.com. |
