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 Violence and Mental Health in Everyday Life: Prevention and Intervention Strategies for Children and Adolescents
 Daniel J Flannery, Altamira Press
 ISBN 0759104921, £17.99

 STAR RATING: 3/5

This is a comprehensive study of violence in children and adolescents in the US, ranging from brain development, parenting, bullying at school and exposure to violence from TV and games, writes Alison Esler. The information given is as much the author's observations and experiences as scientific fact. This makes it an easy book to read and understand.

But the title may be a bit misleading, as the "strategies and prevention" are contained in the last chapter rather than discussed throughout the book.

Although it is aimed at a US audience, the research quoted is not used as hard evidence so this is a minor detail overall.

This book will be useful as background reading for people working with children and adolescents (teachers, nurses, social workers, police) and parents.

I enjoyed reading the book and have a greater breadth of knowledge about this subject, but not more depth. I would use the book to generate discussion and debate rather than refer to for definitive answers.

Alison Esler is a community mental health nurse and management of violence trainer