|YOUTH Violence

Youth violence affects all communities and all members of a community. It is a leading cause of death for adolescents and young adults. While youth violence is a significant problem in our society, there is hope. We can improve the health and safety of our young people and our communities by preventing youth violence.

Youth violence includes various behaviors, such as fighting, bullying, gang-related violence, and homicide. These behaviors involve the intentional use of physical force or power by a young person between the ages of 10 and 24 to threaten or harm other people. Young people can be involved with violence as victims, perpetrators, or witnesses.

|School Violence

School violence is a form of youth violence that happens on school property, or when going to or from school or at school-sponsored events or activities. Examples of school violence include bullying, gang-related violence, fighting, electronic aggression, and homicide. School violence can have short- and long-term consequences for the young people who commit it, and for witnesses and victims. School violence also negatively impacts teachers, families, and the community.

Millions of children and young adults attend our schools and universities each year. While schools in the United States remain relatively safe, any amount of violence is unacceptable and can disrupt learning. Students, parents, and school personnel need safe learning and teaching environments so our children can enjoy promising futures.

School violence is a form of youth violence that happens on school property, on the way to or from school, or at school-sponsored events. School violence can include bullying, gang-related violence, fighting, electronic aggression, or homicide.

When young people experience school violence as a victim, perpetrator, or witness, there can be physical, emotional, and academic consequences. School associated violent deaths are rare. When school violence does occur, nonfatal injuries are more common and students sometimes express fear about going to school. School violence also hurts teachers, families, and the entire community. One person or one organization cannot prevent school violence alone. It will take all of us working together.

|CONSEQUENCES

Youth violence can have immediate and life-long physical, emotional, and economic consequences. It takes a huge toll on our young people, no matter if they are the victim, the aggressor, or a witness. And, it hurts everyone else in a community.

Youth violence is a leading cause of death for adolescents and young adults. Some forms of youth violence, such as bullying, slapping, or hitting, can cause severe emotional harm, nonfatal physical injuries, and long-lasting problems. Youth who experience violence also have a higher risk for other physical and mental health problems, including smoking, substance use, depression, academic problems, and suicide.

When youth violence occurs, the entire community is affected. Children cannot play outside if their neighborhoods and playgrounds are unsafe. Young people cannot learn and succeed in life if they are afraid to go to school. Violence also harms families, businesses, and other parts of a community by increasing health care costs, decreasing property values, and disrupting services.

Preventing youth violence is vital to the well-being of everyone. By understanding how youth violence affects communities and all its residents, prevention approaches can be selected to improve everyone’s health and safety.