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| Has violence changed over the years among youths? What do you think...? |
| TEEN WEB ONLINE's Anti-Violence Information |
| Welcome to TEEN WEB ONLINE's anti-violence source. If you are looking for names and phone numbers of organizations working to end violence in the United States CLICK HERE. On this page you will find useful tips, hints, and information that will help aid in research projects, along with attaining general knowledge on the issue. |
| We need to crack down on youth violence. Get informed, Get Involved |
YOUTH VIOLENCE FACTS--> *About 1 in 12 high schoolers is injured/threatened with some type of weapon each year *In 1996 about 5% of all high school seniors reported that they had been injured with some type of weapon during their previous year at school *Fewer that 1% of vilent deaths of children occur on school grounds *In the year 1996, kids ages 12-18 were the victims of over 900,000 serious violent crimes *There are 1 in 8 male teenagers who carry a weapon for protection *During the after school hours violent juvenile crimes peak CAUSES OF YOUTH VIOLENCE--> The events that have occured since and including the Columbine high school shooting have boggled many minds. These events cause us to ask the question , "What causes a teenager to kick, stab, or fire a gun at another person? These questions are available (and more) in MTV's Action Guide. There is no simple answer to the question of what causes a person to be violent. According to the Action Guide people who are violent are sometimes (often) brought up in violent homes or neiborhoods. In these types of places violence occurs on a regular basis and is an accepted method of communication. Young people from these types of environments often feel and grow up angry. The lack of normal communication in these societies causes teens to search for a way to express themselves and their anger. The only way they find to do so is through violent actions. Often times pressure from friends and others in a person's life can cause an otherwise mellow person to blow his/her top, or to lose control. When made fun of by someone, often times the person being made fun of feels that the only way to maintain respect is through a violent response. HERE ARE SOME OTHER FACTORS--> *easy access to weapons (ie: handguns) *early involvement in drugs/alcohol SOLUTIONS--> There are solutions to youth violence. Many youths have the right and power to keep the peace. About 7/10 teens already participate in some kind of volunteer program (9/10 are interested in working in some program that could prevent crime/violence). FIVE WAYS YOUNG PEOPLE ARE TAKING A STAND AGAINST VIOLENCE (you can too!)--> 1 CONFLICT RESOLUTION: Encourage angry people to talk things out. A "third party is often the best way to deal with an issue or dispute (ie: mediation). Conflict resolution helps people keep their cool through talking their problems out. 2 MENTORING: A mentor is someone who is responsible and caring. They guide youths in academic, professional or personal areas of life, and can help prevent a youth's chance of committing a violent act. 3 ARTISTIC RESPONSES TO VIOLENCE: A person who is creative can use their power to create images against violence. Use your abilities to promote peace through your art, writing, etc. 4 YOUTH CRIME WATCH/PREVENTION: Become a student patroller in your school (ie: a person who is on the look out for violent acts and reports them when they occur or have potential to occur). Start a program at your school or work undercover. 5 ADVOCACY: Write to your local representative with your ideas about how to reduce youth violence, or get involved with national organizations (ie: ShiNE, TEEN WEB ONLINE, or the National Youth Network). Copyright (C) 2001 By TEEN WEB ONLINE SOURCES FOR INFORMATION: MTV FFYR TASAV Action Guide (2001) |
| STOP VIOLENCE IN YOUR COMMUNITY |
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