Increase in Violence Among Teenagers

In my community I know kids that are committing in teenage violence and I would like for them to stop before they end up in prison and that could mess up their life. Violent crimes are committed by teens every year. More teens are succumbing to violence every year, as the aggressor or the victim. It's important for parents or adults who work with young people to understand contributing factors and how to help. Teen violence takes many forms and ranges in severity. The most infamous and severe form of teen violence are the school shootings seen on the news. More common, though, are teenagers gunning each other down in the streets every day. Even schoolyard bullying, though less severe, is a form of teen violence. There are different types of teen violence and they are called Physical Violence, Dating Violence, Predatory Violence, Situational Violence, and Relational Violence. Many teenagers are concerned about youth violence, and with good reason. Each year, far too many teens commit acts of violence, and their victims are most often other teenagers. Throughout their teenage years, teens will be interacting with a wide variety of people, situations, and emotions. In many situations, personal conflict between different individuals may potentially result in violence and/or injury. Parents should help their teen learn to deal with their emotions without using violence; they should talk to their teen about ways to solve arguments and fights without weapons or violence. Preventative methods may include learning nonviolent methods to control their anger or developing more efficient problem solving skills. If there is violence in a family, it increases the risk of the teen becoming involved in future violence. Violent acts can include bu...

... middle of paper ...

...ort by the U.S. Secret Service, in the previous decade the odds of a high school student being killed at school were 1 in one million. Schools are more likely to be dangerous if they are senior high schools in urban environments, and minority groups in these environments are most at risk of being killed at school. Youth are less likely to be involved in teen violence if they have learned nonviolent ways to solve problems, if they have strong family ties, and if they have goals and a commitment to school. Parents can help reduce the risk that their teens will be perpetrators or victims of violence if they talk to their teens every day and show that they care and want their teens to avoid violence and drug abuse. Parents should also know who their teens’ friends are and where their teens spend their time, and encourage their teens to be involved in positive activities.