Don’t Play with Violence

Pistols and rifles made of plastic or wood, metal soldiers and tanks: they were all discarded in a trash container after a march organized by AMISRAEL, aiming to raise awareness among parents about the potential damage that could be caused to the child’s development by violence related toys.

The event took place on September 9th and had the support of the teachers from the school “El Ingeniero” (The Engineer). Teachers and students of all ages marched down the streets, carrying signs with messages such as: “Weapons are not toys” and “Don’t Play with Violence”

Toys are supposed to be a distraction for the children, which not only promotes the development of creativity and imagination, but also shapes the children’s conducts and life style. During the march, the teachers called upon the parents to understand that games are not only a pastime, but also constitute a fundamental part of the psychomotor development of the child.

Children are bound to mirror conducts – if killing and dying are a part of the game, they will see these violent actions as natural in their social relations and daily actions.

Psychologists say that violence is a learned habit and that war, as well as peace, is created in the minds of people. It’s thus paramount to promote social activities which help in the development of moral and ethic values in the children, allowing the creation of a culture of peace in their minds: “Since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defenses of peace must be constructed.” (UNESCO Constitution, 1945)

Questions Parents should ask themselves before buying a toy
Is this toy adequate for my child’s age?
Does is generate or invoke violence in anyway?
Will it stimulate the creativity and imagination of my child?
Will my child feel happy with this toy?
Can these toys promote the intellectual development of my child?
Will it help my child to socialize with others?
Will it promote my child’s self confidence before other people, respecting ethnical and cultural differences? Will it teach my child about the value of nature?

Text: Mauricio Villena /Gabriela Lara
Photographs: Víctor García
English Version: Patricia Mamede

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