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Avoid Violence

Use Your Head, Not Your Fists

You've watched the videos in school, heard your teachers preach about it and your parents have probably warned you too. However, if you dozed off during the videos and tuned out your teachers and parents, remember it is always better to respond with your head, not your fists. Violence and bully prevention is a part of most curriculums in schools across the United States. Although you might not see the point in hearing the same lesson each year, youth violence is becoming more prevalent in schools across the nation.

Know When to Walk Away

Your teachers and parents can only go so far to prevent you from being involved in a violent and potentially fatal situation. When it comes down to it, you are the only one who can avoid putting yourself in a bad situation. Most violent injuries and deaths result from altercations between people who know each other. Remember these simple steps to steer clear of fights: 

• Recognize situations or events that are likely to escalate into violence.
• Stop whatever you are doing and count to 10 backward. This will help you think about your feelings before they get out of control.
• If you can't control your anger, get away. Take time out to cool off, then once you're calm talk to the person. 
• Think about your options and the consequences of your actions. For example, hitting someone could result in suspension from school or injury. 
• Respond with your HEAD, not your fists.

Teen Violence on the Rise

Since the early 1990's violence has been on the rise in schools across America. In the last 15 years, the occurrence of teen violence has increased by more than 10 percent. More than 16 million students have witnessed some form of physical assault. Especially for boys, chances are if you haven't been involved in a fight you have witnessed one. According to the Centers for Disease Control : 

• 3.8 percent of students reported that during the previous 12 months they had been in one or more physical fights resulting in injuries that had to be treated by a doctor or nurse
• Homicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for young people ages 10 to 24 years old

Violence is never a solution. If a peer provokes you, stop to consider the consequences before you act.