Warning Signs Of Youth Violence
Violence. It’s the act of purposefully hurting someone. And it’s a major issue facing today’s young adults. One in 12 high schoolers is threatened or injured with a weapon each year. If you’re between the ages of 12 and 24, you face the highest risk of being the victim of violence.
At the same time, statistics show that by the early 1990’s the incidence of violence caused by young people reached unparalleled levels in American society.
There is no single explanation for the overall rise in youth violence. Many different factors cause violent behavior. The more these factors are present in your life, the more likely you are to commit an act of violence.
Reasons for Violence
What causes someone to punch, kick, stab or fire a gun at someone else or even him/herself?
There is never a simple answer to that question. But people often commit violence because of one or more of the following:
Expression. Some people use violence to release feelings of anger or frustration. They think there are no answers to their problems and turn to violence to express their out of control emotions.
Manipulation. Violence is used as a way to control others or get something they want.
Retaliation. Violence is used to retaliate against those who have hurt them or someone they care about.
Violence is a learned behavior. Like all learned behaviors, it can be changed. This isn’t easy, though. Since there is no single cause of violence, there is no one simple solution. The best you can do is learn to recognize the warning signs of violence and to get help when you see them in your friends or yourself.
Factors that contribute to violent behavior include:
- peer pressure
- need for attention or respect
- feelings of low self-worth
- early childhood abuse or neglect
- witnessing violence at home, in the community or in the media
- easy access to weapons
What You Can Do If Someone You Know Shows Violence Warning Signs
When you recognize violence warning signs in someone else, there are things you can do. Hoping that someone else will deal with the situation is the easy way out.
Above all, be safe. Don’t spend time alone with people who show warning signs. If possible without putting yourself in danger, remove the person from the situation that’s setting them off.
Tell someone you trust and respect about your concerns and ask for help. This could be a family member, guidance counselor, teacher, school psychologist, coach, clergy, school resource officer or friend.
If you are worried about being a victim of violence, get someone in authority to protect you. Do not resort to violence or use a weapon to protect yourself.
The key to really preventing violent behavior is asking an experienced professional for help. The most important thing to remember is don’t go it alone.
Controlling Your Own Risk For Violent Behavior
Everyone feels anger in his or her own way. Start managing it by recognizing how anger feels to you.
When you are angry, you probably feel:
- muscle tension
- accelerated heartbeat
- a “knot” or “butterflies” in your stomach
- changes in your breathing
- trembling
- goose bumps
- flushed in the face
You can reduce the rush of adrenaline that’s responsible for your heart beating faster, your voice sounding louder, and your fists clenching if you:
- Take a few slow, deep breaths and concentrate on your breathing.
- Imagine yourself at the beach, by a lake, or anywhere that makes you feel calm and peaceful.
- Try other thoughts or actions that have helped you relax in the past.
Keep telling yourself:
- “Calm down.”
- “I don’t need to prove myself.”
- “I’m not going to let him/her get to me.”
Stop. Consider the consequences. Think before you act. Try to find positive or neutral explanations for what that person did that provoked you. Don’t argue in front of other people. Make your goal to defeat the problem, not the other person. Learn to recognize what sets you off and how anger feels to you. Learn to think through the benefits of controlling your anger and the consequences of losing control. Most of all, stay cool and think. Only you have the power to control your own violent behavior, don’t let anger control you.
Source: The American Psychological Association
