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Teen Violence

Teach Your Child to Avoid Violence

Violence is becoming one of the United State's most serious health threats; affecting people of all ages, ethnicities, socioeconomic status, religion and gender. However, violence disproportionately affects our youth. Since the early 1990's violence in our nation's schools has been on the rise. According to the Centers for Disease Control:

• Homicide is the second leading cause of death for youth ages 10 to 24. In 2006, 5,958 youth were murdered, equating to 16 young people each day. 
• In 2008, more than 690,000 youth ages 10 to 24 were treated in emergency departments for injuries sustained from violence. 
• 35.5 percent of youth in grades nine through 12 in 2007 reported being in a physical fight in the 12 months preceding the survey. 
• Of youth in grades nine through 12 in 2007, 5.5 percent reported they did not go to school on one or more days in the 30 days preceding the survey because they felt unsafe at school or on their way to or from school.

Violence Prevention Begins at Home

Your child is like a sponge. They soak in everything they observe, whether it is an interaction between you and a significant other or images in the media. Creating a safe and supportive family environment is the most effective means of violence prevention.

 

Talking with Your Child

Talking with your child maybe your greatest parenting challenge; however, developing open lines of communication with your child is crucial. Having frequent conversations with your child not only allows you insight into their world but also enables you to recognize behavioral changes. Violence surrounds our youth - they are exposed to violence in the media and in their schools. 

When talking to your child about violence it is important to be consistent, reliable and knowledgeable. ChildrenNow.org offers these conversation tips: 

• Develop open communication. Use encouragement, support and positive reinforcement so your kids know that they can ask any question -on any topic - freely and without fear of consequence. 
• Encourage your child to talk it out. Children feel better when they talk about their feelings. It lifts the burden of having to face their fears alone and offers an emotional release. 
• Monitor the media your child views. By age 12, the average child is estimated to have witnessed 8,000 murders and 100,000 acts of violence on network television. 
• Acknowledge your child's fears and reassure him or her of his or her safety. By providing consistent support and an accepting environment, you can help reduce your child's anxieties and fears. 
• Take a stand. Be clear and consistent about the values you want to instill. 
• Control your own behavior. When it comes to learning how to behave, children often follow their parents' lead, which is why it is important to examine how you approach conflict. 
• Pay particular attention to boys. Boys love action but it's easy for that action to become violent.

Steps to Help your Child Avoid Violence

Most violent injuries and deaths result from altercations between people who know each other. Share the following tips with your child to help them steer clear of violence:

• 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 to cool off, then once you're calm talk to the person. 
• Think about the options and consequences of your actions. For example, hitting someone could result in suspension from school or injury. 
• Respond with your HEAD, not with your fists.

Violent Behavior Indicators

Be aware of changes in your child's behaviors, habits and moods as they could indicate violent tendencies. The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry acknowledges the following as behavioral indicators of violent behaviors:

• Intense anger 
• Frequent loss of temper or blow-ups 
• Extreme irritability 
• Extreme impulsiveness 
• Easily frustrated

Kids are exposed daily to violent images. Teaching your child through words and actions that violent behaviors are never acceptable is an important step in fighting youth violence.