yesterday.

And children are so worried that they have demanded immediate action from Government.

They have warned the Social Services Minister of a summer of violence if he delays an investigation into the problem.

Children at Prospect primary school, Devonshire, have sent letters to the Minister, the Hon. Quinton Edness. The students, aged 11 and 12, acted after reading that Mr. Edness was planning a major conference on community violence later this year.

The conference, on brutality affecting children and families, is expected to be held in the fall.

But the kids in the school's primary seven class say that's not soon enough.

They want the meeting held before the summer break, when they say violence increases. Their teacher, Mr. Brien Osborne, said the topic came up in class.

"It seemed to generate a lot of interest. Violence is so part of them. They see it in this neighbourhood alone.

"It's a part of them and they're tired of it. They don't like it.

"I didn't prompt them at all. They're worried, and that's why it's important to let them voice their worries.

"We as adults should listen to them.'' Fanaye Broadbelt, 12, wrote to Mr. Edness: "The violence is happening now! "You should deal with the problem now, instead of letting the problem lag on.

I think that by this conference in fall, you will be too late.'' Her classmate Wanda Trott, 11, told the Minister: "You should reconsider your conference meeting about violence.

"If you have the meeting before the summer term, children, families and Police will feel much safer knowing that you have nipped this problem in the bud.'' Keiva Maronie, 12, wrote: "In the summer time when it is very hot people do some crazy things. "I suggest that you take care of this violence problem now, and don't procrastinate with it, because I'm sure that you want to make your job as easy as possible.'' Latanya Parsley, 12, added: "I am also concerned because the violence problem will become bigger, and will be hard not only on you, but on the people of Bermuda as well.'' The children have not yet had a reply to their April 21 letters.

Mr. Edness could not be reached for comment yesterday.

Announcing the conference three weeks ago, he said it was in response to an "unnatural'' increase in local crime.

He said he wanted to bring together a panel of local professionals and overseas experts to tackle the trend.

He said he was particularly alarmed about increases in domestic violence and recent brutal attacks on Police officers.