Almost every day, we see on the news that a young person has stabbed or shot someone, and when the investigation digs into their past, it is invariably very sad. They were often neglected or abused, and grew up feeling unloved and unwanted.

Many people suffer tragedies in their childhood, but somehow heal, and go on to live happy, productive lives. Very often, what makes the difference is that at some point, they have been heard, and learned that they matter - they have value. And along the way, they have learned how to love, even devoting themselves to others, so that they won't have to endure the same pain.

If all school children can be exposed to healing language, and have a chance to practise listening, and community-building, how much long-term suffering and violence might be prevented?

We can't know the answer to this right away, but surely it is vital to try to do what we can, when we have the opportunity.