Information on Teen Violence

Warning Signs of Youth Violence

Violence. It's the act of purposefully hurting someone. And it's a major issue facing today's young adults. One in 12 high schoolers is threatened or injured with a weapon each year. If you're between the ages of 12 and 24, you face the highest risk of being the victim of violence.

At the same time, statistics show that by the early 1990's the incidence of violence caused by young people reached unparalleled levels in American society.

There is no single explanation for the overall rise in youth violence. Many different factors cause violent behavior. The more these factors are present in your life, the more likely you are to commit an act of violence.

Reasons for Violence

What causes someone to punch, kick, stab or fire a gun at someone else or even him/herself?

There is never a simple answer to that question. But people often commit violence because of one or more of the following:

  • Expression: Some people use violence to release feelings of anger or frustration. They think there are no answers to their problems and turn to violence to express their out of control emotions.
  • Manipulation: Violence is used as a way to control others or get something they want.
  • Retaliation: Violence is used to retaliate against those who have hurt them or someone they care about.

Violence is a Learned Behavior

Like all learned behaviors, it can be changed. This isn't easy, though. Since there is no single cause of violence, there is no one simple solution. The best you can do is learn to recognize the warning signs of violence and to get help when you see them in your friends or yourself.

Factors that contribute to violent behavior include:

  • peer pressure
  • need for attention or respect
  • feelings of low self-worth
  • early childhood abuse or neglect
  • witnessing violence at home, in the community or in the media
  • easy access to weapons

Recognizing Violence Warning Signs in Others

Often people who act violently have trouble controlling their feelings. They may have been hurt by others. Some think that making people fear them through violence or threats of violence will solve their problems or earn them respect. This isn't true.

People who behave violently lose respect. They find themselves isolated or disliked, and they still feel angry and frustrated.

If you see these immediate warning signs, violence is a serious possibility:

  • loss of temper on a daily basis
  • frequent physical fighting
  • significant vandalism or property damage
  • Increase in use of drugs or alcohol
  • Increase in risk-taking behavior
  • detailed plans to commit acts of violence
  • announcing threats or plans for hurting others
  • enjoying hurting animals
  • carrying a weapon

If you notice the following signs over a period of time, the potential for violence exists:

  • a history of violent or aggressive behavior
  • serious drug or alcohol use
  • gang membership or strong desire to be in a gang
  • access to or fascination with weapons, especially guns
  • threatening others regularly
  • trouble controlling feelings like anger
  • withdrawal from friends and usual activities
  • feeling rejected or alone
  • having been a victim of bullying
  • Poor School Performance
  • history of discipline problems or frequent run-ins with authority
  • feeling constantly disrespected
  • failing to acknowledge the feelings or rights of others

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