I think that comparing the comments of ignorant people regarding a medically proven neurobiological disorder with an informed opinion about the subjective results of a psychological study is hardly fair; and I didn't argue that violence among children is not a problem that needs to be dealt with by society as a whole.

I'm not pointing my finger at working mothers. If I was going to point my finger at a particular group of parents, it would be absentee fathers, but I don't believe they carry all of the blame, either.

The fact is, at least in the U.S., there is a growing tendency among parents -- GOOD parents, even -- to rely on television sets and VCR's to be baby sitters. A recent ad for TiVo is a good illustration of this. The ad depicts a slew of toddlers and pre-schoolers throwing violent, desctructive temper tantrums. The ad's suggested solution? Record their favorite shows on TiVo so you can pop your kids in front of the TV when they act up. Don't discipline them, don't talk to them, don't take the time to teach them that their behavior is wrong and carries consequences, just let them watch TV so they'll be quiet. This sends a disturbing message, but it's really just a reflection of what happens all too often when you combine worn out parents with screaming, misbehaving children.

An increasing number of young children also have television sets and VCRs in their bedrooms, where they can watch without parental supervision. V-chips and parental lockout devices aren't going to prevent a kid from sneaking one of his parents' movies into his room to watch without their knowledge; and since these kids know that they'll get in trouble for watching this forbidden fare, they're not going to discuss the things they see with their parents.

More and more, children today don't have anyone around who can help them put movie violence into the proper context, the way my parents did. It's not just about time or laziness. Often it's because parents simply forbid it, and when kids see it anyway (as almost always happens), they fear retribution if their parents find out, so they are not free to ask about the things they don't understand. If children see this stuff without having it put into context for them, of course it's going to mess with their heads.

I agree with the article's assertion that something should be done about marketing violent, adult programming to kids; but I don't agree with previous assertions that the entertainment industry should eliminate violent programming. Violent entertainment serves a purpose in providing a safe way to let out natural human agression impulses. Our brains are wired with a propensity for violence, and that propensity needs an outlet. It's the same reason violent sports such as football and pro-wrestling are so popular. It's also the same reason people throughout history have enjoyed everything from gladiator fights to public executions. In our modern culture, the same purpose is served, and none of the "entertainers" actually get hurt.

Sure, it's easy for me, a non-parent, to say it's up to the parents to fix the problem; but ultimately, the responsibility does lie with the parents, as well as with anyone who serves as an authority figure or caregiver to a child. Since I am the aunt of three nephews, two of which I helped to raise and the third of which I often babysit, that does include me. It's up to us to help the children in our lives understand the basic difference between right and wrong, and that if you shoot someone they will not get up and go on, but they will die, and death is final.

It's up to us to teach them to have respect for life.