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Step 1
Provide an example for your child. Whether you like it or not, you set the standard for your child's behavior. A child that grows up exposed to violence is much more likely to become violent. If a child sees a parent abusing a loved one or stranger, he may emulate that example. Children who experience severe corporal punishment, sexual abuse and verbal abuse are much more likely to become violent as teenagers and adults. As a parent, you have the power to control a lot of what your child is exposed to.
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Step 2
Talk to your teenager. Your child is not going to know where you stand on issues like violence if you do not tell him. From a young age, establish the idea that your family does not condone violent behavior. If your child grows up with the knowledge that violence is unacceptable, he will be less likely to consider it as an option. Set up family rules that provide clear consequences for any kind of violence.
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Step 3
Get involved in the community and your child's school. There are plenty of programs that try to prevent teen violence, drug abuse and other actions that put teens at risk. The more parents are involved in their children's education and community, the better they are able to protect them as a group. Your child will see you being proactive about something that is important.
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Step 4
Create a safe haven for you and your family. If economic reasons prevent you from being able to live in a safe neighborhood, you can at least control the safety of your home. One of the most important ways to keeping your home safe is to prevent your teenager's access to firearms. If guns are kept in the home, they should be unloaded and locked in a safe. Teenagers are not yet adults and may not be able to grasp the consequences of their decisions, especially in a heated moment. The presence of a gun can turn an ordinary argument into a deadly situation.
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Step 5
Look for warning signs of violent behavior. Aggressive behavior and uncontrollable anger can lead to violence. An obsessive interest in things like weapons, violent games or websites can indicate a problem as well. Poor social relationships, violence toward animals, use of drugs or alcohol and overexposure to acts of violence are also warning signs. If there is a history of mental illness, abuse or poverty in the family, these factors can also put your child at risk.
