Teen violence

Overview
Teen violence is becoming an increasingly pervasive problem and cause for concern. Forms of violence among teens include suicide, homicide, accidents, rape, robbery and assault. Acts of violence occur daily and affect all cultures, social classes and communities. Statistics indicate more boys than girls commit violent acts, but the number of acts of violence by girls is rising.

Role of the media
More than 60 percent of television programs contain some violence, and nearly 75 percent of violent scenes feature no immediate punishment for the act or condemnation of the violence. The extent to which media -- including television, movies and video games -- influences aggressive and violent behavior is unclear. The impact appears to be influenced by the age, intelligence and other characteristics of the viewer, whether he or she considers the violence realistic, and whether he or she identifies with violent characters. Characteristics of the viewer's social environment, such as parental influences, as well as characteristics of the violence itself and the perpetrators also play a role. The degree of realism and presence or absence of consequences for violent behavior can also be influential.

Risk factors
Common risk factors for teen violence include previous general offenses, childhood aggression, substance use and being male. Mental health issues, hyperactivity and antisocial behavior -- such as lying, stealing, lack of empathy or projection of blame -- increase the risk. Exposure to violence in the media and academic difficulties or school failure may also increase the risk for teen violence.
Certain family and environmental characteristics are considered risk factors for teen violence, such as poor parent-child relationships, low socioeconomic status and poverty in the family or community. Other family and environmental characteristics associated with an increased risk of teen violence include:

access to firearms or other weapons
low parental expectations or lack of accountability
lack of parental nurturing and affection
being abused or neglected
violence in the home
family or parental discord
antisocial behavior or substance abuse
poor parental supervision, including unlimited access to violent media
little positive education or recreational opportunities
poor housing
In school, increased tolerance for disrespectful behavior, inequitable discipline, an inflexible culture, a lack of school attachment, and a pecking order among students are risk factors for teen violence. The presence of a code of silence, where students do not feel they can share concerns about a fellow student's behavior with teachers or administrators, is also a risk factor.

In a peer group, risk factors for teen violence include weak social ties, antisocial peers, drug or alcohol use, peer pressure towards violence, and gang affiliation.

Social conditions linked to increased rates of violence may include a lack of community connection, poverty and limited economic opportunities in the area.


Resilience and protective factors
Not all adolescents who are exposed to risk factors succumb to violent tendencies. Positive experiences or qualities can reduce the likelihood of youth violence, including:
positive role models
positive self-esteem and feelings of self-worth
supportive relationships
positive outlook toward the future
belief in oneself
positive social skills
good peer relationships
a sense of control over life

Warning signs of teen violence
Teen violence has a variety of warning signs. When considering the following signs, remember to consider violence and aggression within a context. None of the following warning signs alone are sufficient for predicting aggression or violence.
Early warning signs may include:

social withdrawal or brooding
excessive feelings of isolation, alienation or rejection
feelings of being picked on and persecuted or actual victimization
impulsive or chronic behavior patterns of intimidation or bullying
history of discipline problems or violent and aggressive behavior
prejudiced attitudes or intolerance for differences
inappropriate access to firearms
exaggerated sense of entitlement
unusual interest in sensational violence
history of violence with pets or animals
Imminent warning signs may include:

serious physical fighting with peers or family members
severe destruction of property
severe rage for seemingly minor reasons
detailed threats of lethal violence, including plans, drawings, checklists, etc.
possession or use of firearms or other weapons
self-injurious behaviors or threats of suicide

Characteristics
Physical characteristics of teen violence may include a lowered IQ, history of a severe head injury or seizures, or an incomplete memory of acts.
Psychological characteristics may include:

feelings of rejection or abandonment, possibly due to separation from a parent or other caregiver
suspiciousness or paranoid ideas
lack of social skills
lack of guilt, remorse or empathy toward peers, animals, etc.
deceitful and manipulative tendencies
impulsiveness (needs excitement)
lack of responsibility
shallow emotions
projecting blame, such as "It was all her fault" or "He was asking for it"
casting violent acts in a passive voice, such as "He got hit" or "She got herself raped"
Social characteristics may include:

history of delinquency
promiscuous sexual activity
setting fires
bedwetting past age 6
torturing animals (pets, strays or wildlife)
inability to defer gratification
trouble learning social cues
academic failures
thrill-seeking or high-risk behavior
regular or irresponsible use of firearms
sense of entitlement, such as "It's OK for me to hit my mother, but she can't hit me because I'm a minor"

Coping
If you feel like becoming violent, remove yourself from the situation. Take a few slow, deep breaths. Imagine a calm and peaceful place. Repeat phrases such as "Calm down," or "I am not going to let this get to me." Also consider the consequences of violent behavior. Talk to someone you trust about your tendency toward violence. Don't be afraid to seek professional help if needed.
If you suspect someone else may become violent, stay safe. Don't spend time alone with the person. If possible, remove anyone who appears to be getting violent from the situation. Tell someone you trust about your concerns. (Make sure you confide in someone who does not have a tendency to become violent.) Ask a professional for help if needed.

Duty to warn
If you suspect violent or potentially violent behavior in a teen, contact an appropriate person, such as school personnel, the police or a mental health professional. Certain professionals, including mental health professionals, have a legal duty to notify any potential victims and prevent harm if intent to harm oneself or another is suspected.

This circumstance places the value of public safety above the client's right to confidentiality. State statutes vary in regard to how notification is to be made. In some states, contacting law enforcement will suffice if the professional is unable to directly notify the intended victim. In other states, the professional must make every possible effort to actually warn the intended victim.

Preventive actions
As a parent, convey a sense of respect for others. Teach problem-solving skills and praise your child when he or she follows through. Convey support of the school's discipline policy and set appropriate rules for behavior at home. Keep the lines of communication open. Discuss with your child possible violence or threats of violence he or she sees at school, in the neighborhood, in the media, etc.

Educate your child about gun safety or enroll your child in a gun safety course. At home, remove access to any guns by storing them in locked cabinets. Store containers with guns and ammunition in separate locked locations.

Teach your child early about gangs and their negative influence. Discuss consequences with your child and report gang activity to your local law enforcement agency.

Be available
Because adolescents often feel no one listens to them, it is important to be present. Be empathic and listen to what your child is feeling and saying -- without being judgmental. However, you don't have to agree with your child's choices. Be willing to sit with the adolescent and offer hope. Do not give up. Remember, violence can be a sign of physiological or emotional difficulties. Another consideration may be individual counseling for the teen.