Youth violence is on the rise in urban, suburban and rural communities. There are many factors, which contribute to youth crimes. A few examples of factors that impact youth violence include poverty, unemployment, lack of housing, delinquency and substance use. In the 21st century children and adolescents are more likely to use lethal weapons rather than their fists to settle disputes with peers. Although we cannot eliminate youth violence in its entirety, there are some things we can do to reduce youth violence in our communities. Some ideas for reducing youth violence are as follows: involve youth in activities, encourage teen employment, increase community involvement, and improve parent monitoring in the home and school.
Involving your child in youth activities is an excellent way to provide alternatives. There have been children to report being bored hence they participant in violence crimes or theft to pass time. Whether this is truth or fiction, positive involvement in extracurricular things is helpful. If youth that are at risk are occupied doing something that increases their self-esteem and self-image, the youth will be less likely to become involved in violence, gang activity and theft. What can you do to help your child feel better about themselves? What are some things available in your community for your child to do? If there are not many resources in your community feel free to browse the internet. I understand due to the state of the economy there are not many community recreation centers like there used to be. For this reason, you may have to use more creativity by surfing the web for things that can be done in the home or outdoors for fun. Perhaps you and your child can camp indoors or in the backyard one evening on the weekend. Of course you won’t be able to roast marshmallows indoors but think of ways to improvise. You can use your fireplace or microwave.
Youth employment is another way you can help reduce youth violence in your community. If you are the parent of a teenager assist your youth in finding employment at a local retail store, restaurant, movie theatre, library or recreation center. Employment not only allows youth to use their time constructively but they are also able to learn life skills and responsibilities that they may not learn at school. For example this can be an opportunity for youth to learn how to manage their finances and budget. Adolescents are not permitted to work until they are at least fifteen years of age in most states however they can volunteer. Employment is typical a violence reduction tactic for older adolescents but for younger children volunteer activities on the weekends may be just as effective.
Involvement in your community is an idea for violence prevention and reduction. If your community offers mentor programs or athletics consider allowing your child to participate. There are some communities that have football, soccer, arts and crafts, karate and other recreations available all year round. The down side is that some of these activities require a fee, which may vary. Using community involvement as a means to reduce community violence can help all age groups even adults. Having something constructive to do reduces the likelihood of violent acts and substance abuse.
Monitoring by adults and parents is very important to help reduce violence in our communities. Parent monitoring applies to the home, school and community. Parents may volunteer their service to their child’ schools to monitor the halls and other common areas. The presence of security guards tend to create a negative connotation in the school environment, hence parents are encouraged to take an active role in patrolling the hallways and common areas of their child’s school. Another way to monitor is to ask youth questions. If your fifteen-year-old son asks if he can go out with friends make sure you ask him questions. Ask the youth where he is going? How long will he be there? Will an adult be present? When will you return? Who else will be present? Asking these questions may annoy your son or daughter but you will know the specifics about what they are doing, which is more important for safety and monitoring.
Youth violence has increased in the last decade, which is a terrifying reality. Unfortunately, there is no one way to stop youth violence but we can all do our part in helping to reduce youth violence. Three ways to help reduce violence includes parent monitoring, youth activities, employment and community involvement. When are youth are involved in positive activities and events they are less likely to participate in violent acts. In addition youth will have increase self esteem and learn life skills that they may not learn in the classroom. If you do not have children you can also assist by becoming active in community programs and mentorships.
