| Violence is one of the major causes of mortality and | | | | In another study, it was found that among boys who |
| morbidity among youth. With slightly more than 1 in 3 | | | | had all the specific risk factors and none of the three |
| high school students reported to be involved in a | | | | protective factors, 71% were predicted to be involved |
| physical fight, this is a major social issue. For high | | | | in violent behavior at the time of the second interview. |
| school students almost 1 in 10 have been involved in | | | | For boys who had none of the risk factors and all |
| dating violence and almost 1 in 3 had their property | | | | three protective factors, only 18% were predicted to |
| stolen or deliberately damaged at school. Thankfully, | | | | be involved in violent behavior. Likewise, for girls who |
| parents are not powerless as recent published studies | | | | had all the risk factors and none of the three |
| show. I describe some simple steps parents can take. | | | | protective factors, 61% were predicted to be involved |
| Can we as parents influence our kids with respect to | | | | in violent behavior at the time of the second interview. |
| use of violence? The good news is that if our kids see | | | | Among girls who had none of the risk factors and all |
| us as disapproving of the use of violence to solve | | | | three protective factors, only 7% were predicted to be |
| interpersonal problems then they were more likely not | | | | involved in violent behavior. |
| to engage in violent behavior. Interestingly, almost 40% | | | | In summary to reduce youth violence, we need to |
| of the parents indicated that they would tell their child it | | | | strengthen families, enhance positive relationships with |
| is okay to hit if another person pushes him or her. | | | | adults, encourage a sense of connection with school |
| Perhaps for some parents, advising their child to fight | | | | and improve academic performance. We also need to |
| back when provoked is the best way they think their | | | | reduce weapon carrying, substance abuse, school |
| child will be safe. | | | | problems and emotional distress. Finally, and most |
| Using corporal punishment as a disciplining method by | | | | importantly, we know that witnessing or experiencing |
| parents increased the risk of youth violence as | | | | violence and being exposed to suicide attempts (and |
| reported in several studies. Seeing parents using | | | | completions) of friends and family members endanger |
| corporal punishment may suggest to young people | | | | the lives and well-being of our youth. |
| that the use of physical force in dealing with a problem | | | | As parents we have the power to reduce youth |
| is normal. Parents should clearly communicate to their | | | | violence and improve our children's lives. Lets seize |
| children how to resolve conflicts without resorting to | | | | that opportunity and stop the violence among our |
| violence and to model these skills themselves by | | | | youth. |
| avoiding the use of physical punishment. | | | | |