|
Presently the rate of aggression cases is rather high and none of us can be sure in our safety or safety of our children. Being aware of possible danger can help us avoid us perilous situations. On the other hand, the knowledge of certain strategies can help us avoid violent behavior of our children and subsequent problems.
Awareness of factors that place your teen under the risk of getting violent is crucial when you bring up your child. First of all, having ADD/ADHD or some mental / mood disorders increases the possibility of getting violent. Boys tend to be more often involved in some aggression acts than girls.
How a teen spent his/her childhood also influences demonstration of violent behavior in the future. Early witnessing or experiencing violence makes a teen more aggressive later. Teenagers involved into substance abuse or general offences may get used to demonstration of strength in some selfish ends and apply the same strategy in their lives. Peer pressure sometimes provokes teens to use force. Much worse it is if a teenager uses force and becomes violent in order to gain recognition and be accepted in a certain circle.
Talking about risk factors we must also remember about factors that help teenagers and their parents to have normal life. Close family relationships and normal relations with adults in general help to prevent teen violence. High IQ and positive social orientation are also very important in teen violence prevention. Social activity and positive life objectives tend to be also really helpful.
Individual level traits and characteristics that can help avoid teen violence include a sense of purpose and belief in a positive future, a commitment to education and learning, and the ability to act independently and feel a sense of control over one's environment. The ability to be adaptable and flexible and have empathy and caring for others is also significant as is the ability to solve problems, plan for the future, and be resourceful in seeking out sources of support. Conflict resolution and critical thinking skills are additional factors that help protect youth from violence, delinquency, and antisocial behavior.
Some of the community-level factors that contribute to the risk for youth violence include the availability of drugs and firearms, community deterioration or disorganization, and access to quality educational and recreational opportunities.
A strong community infrastructure has been identified as a protective factor against youth violence in the resiliency literature. Communities can create opportunities for youth to participate in activities where they have choices, decision-making power, and shared responsibility. Such experiences help them to develop new skills, increase self-confidence, and offer a chance to make a difference.
|
