5 Things You Need to Know About Teen Violence

1. Teen Violence Takes Many Forms

Being a teenager is difficult. Some teens take out their frustrations on other teens. Teen violence doesn't always have to be physical. Sometimes, teen violence is mental or emotional. Most teen violence occurs when there are no adults present and sometimes when there are no other teens or children present. Sometimes, teen violence can turn lethal when weapons enter the picture. Even a fist fight can turn deadly.

2. Know Risk Factors for Teen Violence

Although there is no single cause of teen violence, some risk factors increase the chance of a teen initiating or experiencing teen violence. Living in an abusive home or a home where there is little or no parental control may cause a teen to lash out violently toward other teens. Gang involvement is almost sure to lead to teen violence. Drug or alcohol use by a teen or emotional problems can also lead to teen violence. Sometimes, teens get the idea that violence is the answer to many problems from watching television or listening to music. In some cases, there is no clear cause for the violence.

3. Reduce the Risk of Teen Violence

Parents can reduce the chance that their teen will take part in teen violence by taking an active roll in the teen's life. Make sure that an adult monitors your teen's activities. Get to know the group of people your teen hangs around. Make sure that the teen knows how to solve problems using non-violent solutions. Let your teen know your view on violence. You can limit the time that your teen watches television or listens to music. It is also a good idea to closely monitor the message conveyed by the shows and music your teen enjoys.

4. Teen Dating Violence Is Hard to Catch

One form of teen violence that is especially hard to spot is dating violence. Teen dating violence is similar to spousal abuse. It often starts out by one person making harsh comments about the other person. The abuser will often become controlling about every aspect of the other person. This will usually include who she can be friends with, what she wears and where she goes. This controlling behavior can lead to physical violence if she doesn't follow the abusers rules and requirements. It is important to help a teen in this situation to recognize the problem and get out of the relationship safely.

5. Confront Self Mutilation

Teen violence sometimes presents itself as self mutilation. This occurs when a teen hurts himself. Most often, the teen will cut his arms repeatedly. A teen who is hurting himself needs immediate help from a mental health professional. Self mutilation often leads to suicide. The main signs of self mutilation are wearing long sleeves even when it is hot and using a lot of bandages.