Parents see movie about youth and gun violence
FAYETTEVILLE (WTVD) -- Some parents in Fayetteville got an eye-opening lesson in youth and gun related violence Tuesday night.
Like so many other parents, Marcia Montez just wants her children to be safe, and choose to stay out of trouble.
"I should have more communications with my kids. Start looking more into their stuff and asking them questions," she said.
Montez was among a small number of parents and educators, who watched the movie "Decisions Point," at Douglass Byrd High School in Fayetteville Tuesday night.
The movie was made at the school, and used students as actors. The movie's storyline is about student who makes some bad decisions, hangs out with the wrong crowd, and ends up shooting his sister.
The movie premiered in June to a select crowd of students, teachers and law enforcement officers. It was financed by a federal grant, as part of "Operation Cease-fire," which is a program that works to get guns and violence off the streets.
Law enforcement authorities say gun related violence is on the rise across the country. Police are combating that violence, and hoping to get their message out to children before they get into trouble.
Parents who have seen the movie say it is powerful with a strong message.
"It was an eye opener," Swan Davis said. "I can see some things I can definitely take home and do well with my children."
Fayetteville police said they will show the movie to all seventh and ninth grade students in Cumberland County.
Parents like Davis and Montez hope the movie's message gets through to students before they get into trouble.
