Solutions for Teen Violence
Out of every eight people murdered in the United States, at least one person is under the age of 18. Most injuries and violent deaths occur between people who know one another. Teens face many different forms of violence -- from dating violence to gang violence to drug and alcohol-related violence. Because teen violence is typically the result of conflicts between people, it is important that teens learn nonviolent ways to control their anger and solve problems.
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Parents
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Parents and guardians can help teens reduce the threat of violence by being in touch and helping teens deal with their emotions. Talk to your teen about violence and create an open dialogue about ways to solve conflicts. And always talk to your teen if you suspect that there is problem. Adolescence may cause a strain between teens and parents, so in these cases it is important for teens to have another trusted adult or mentor that they can turn to.
Parents can gain support from other parents and members of the community while at the same time making their home a place of nonviolence. Teens should not have access to guns, as this sends a message that weapons are a way to solve problems. Parents can also monitor violent television, movies and video games, as there is a link between violent entertainment and aggressive behavior.
Teens
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Teens can also take action and try to prevent violence themselves. Teenagers can prevent violence by recognizing and removing themselves from situations that have the potential to escalate to violence. Teens can learn more about themselves and what sets them off so that they can remove themselves from situations in which they feel they cannot control their anger. Teens can seek out peer mediation if they can't resolve a conflict, and they can also practice being more assertive than aggressive.
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Schools
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Schools can help to solve teen violence by offering conflict resolution programs, a popular form of violence prevention. Implementing school uniforms can reduce violence in areas with increased gang activity. Increasing security in the form of security officers and metal detectors can also be helpful. Some schools have had success by implementing a zero-tolerance plan, meaning there is "immediate suspension for a student caught carrying a weapon at school, drinking alcohol, using or selling drugs or fighting on school grounds," according to the University of Illinois. Other schools have found success with anonymous hotlines for students who report information regarding violence and crime.
Community
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Anger is a normal feeling for teenagers. The community can solve teen violence by offering plenty of enrichment and activities for teens to constructively channel their anger and energies. Community centers, recreation centers and low-cost activities are a way to keep teens off of drugs and off the streets. The community can also benefit teens by offering plenty of access to counseling and other mental health facilities.
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