To the Editor: It’s time to talk with our kids.
As our community reels from the recent violent assault that occurred in the Rogers locker room, I urge parents and caregivers to discuss what took place with their children, no matter their age. While the act itself was deeply disturbing, I, like much of our community, am most shaken by the fact that the young people in that room, for whatever reason, did nothing.
We can never guarantee that our children will be safe from cruelty, violence, or abuse. But we can ensure that, collectively, they speak up when someone vulnerable is being harmed. There was no reason for this assault to occur without intervention from the other members of the team—whether that meant stopping it in the moment or seeking out an adult if it was unsafe to act directly. It literally would have taken just one student.
We all share responsibility for teaching our children the confidence and skills to act when something unjust happens before them. Silence is not an option. Now is the time to have these conversations, to model standing up, speaking out, and ensuring that everyone feels safe, respected, and seen in our community.
Liz Barron
Newport