Preventing Youth Violence

 

Youth violence can affect teens in any community. Whether bullying, gang violence or disagreements that turn physical, too many of our kids are witnesses to violence on a daily basis. According to Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD), youths under 18 account for approximately one in six violent crime arrests. And for every teen who is arrested, there are ten more engaged in physical violence that could have led to serious injury.

But what can your teens do to prevent violence in their school? The folks at SADD have a few tips that could help to maintain a safer school environment.

• Commit to nonviolence. Don’t bully, tease or spread gossip about other students.
• Get involved in your community by volunteering or joining after school programs.
• Learn how to resolve arguments without violence.
• Join groups at school or in your community that promote nonviolence.

Its important to recognize the warning signs of violence early on, in order to prevent or avoid it. If your teen is a victim of hazing or bullying of any kind, or if they witness it happening, its important to talk to a trusted adult and report it. The physical pain may heal, but emotional scars could carry on for life.