Digging into Media Messages

Reading numerous articles regarding rising crime in Dover involving both violent crime and non-violent crime, helped to paint a clearer picture of all teachers have the opportunity to educate their students about. More specifically in Dover, they struggle with gun violence, bullying, and drugs. Within their community, students at a young age are surround with an array of bad influences such as violence and drugs. As a health education teacher I am provided with the obligation to educate them about the importance of avoiding bullying, drugs, and violence as well as severe consequences that can happen when one decides to participate in such activity. One article discussed the growing problem of bullying, which was the cause of a six-person fight on the school bus. They ranged from 15-16 years old. In the article it states, “Morris Hill School officials were notified of the situation to speak with the families.” Although most of the information being given is from the Safety Director of Dover and the Police Officer, I believe it was important to address the problem to the school officials. The school officials, as well as myself being a health and physical education teacher have the opportunity of addressing the culture of bullying, the zero tolerance policy, and the serious consequences that come a long with bullying. (http://www.nj.com/morris/index.ssf/2012/10/ongoing_bullying_caused_school.htm) Two other teenagers were involved in a form of bullying by arming themselves with imitation pistols and leaving a homemade bomb outside a classmates home. This was all in respond to an argument the two had. (http://www.nj.com/morris/index.ssf/2012/08/dover_police_arrest_juveniles.html) In Dover, Taxis are a common source of transportation for teens as well as adults. One article discusses an incident involving four teens that robbed a taxi driver for his I-phone, and then beat him. The sergeant involved with the arrested stated, “"This arrest shows the importance the community plays in crime-fighting efforts and
 we thank them for getting involved," Residents within the community helped the police officers at the time of the crime because the teens fled the scene by running from the cops. The residents were the ones who told the police which way the teens were running, which ultimately led them to catch the teens. This was important to share with the public, because it not only showed the effort the police are making to provide for a safe community, but it also showed the importance of the community working together to achieve a safer community for everybody. (http://www.nj.com/morris/index.ssf/2012/08/cops_four_teens_beat_robbed_ta.html) The last article I read was regarding the rising problem with drugs in Dover. Most recently 13 people were arrested in a drug raid, which was only 500 Feet from the Second Street Playground in Dover. This is highly concerning regarding the students we will be teaching, because the playgrounds they should have the opportunity to be playing on and building their locomoter skills are being used as a meeting spot for exchanging drugs. According to this article, in Dover, non-violent crime has raised 14 percent. This article is important, because it points out that they are making an effort to crack down on drugs. As teachers, we have the opportunity to educate our students of the importance of staying away from drugs. The detective states, “Increased community involvement, more tips to police and a better partnership between patrols and citizens is helping the community.” It is important the community is working together and being involved to make their town a better place. But as a health and physical education teacher I also will have the opportunity to help build a safer community by educating my students and giving them a good foundation and knowledge of staying away from drugs and violence. This way they are able to go out into their community and help to promote for a safer environment. (http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2011/04/dover_police_ramp_up_effort_to.html)