Teen Violence

There are many factors that contribute to causes of school violence. This article has information on physical factors of school violence, behavioral factors of school violence, learned factors of school violence, availability of weapons, and tips on stopping school violence.

There have been concerns for years with regard to school violence. Many worry about the safety of their children when they go to school. This is because in today’s world, with modern stresses and distractions, there can be an increased tendency toward violence. Unfortunately, the causes of school violence are varied, as well as complex. There is no one reason for school violence. In fact, even one person’s violence may be motivated by a number of different factors. Reducing school violence requires that steps be taken to change the environment, and address some of the more common causes of school violence. School violence is often caused by a combination of physical, behavioral and learned factors.

Physical factors of school violence

Some of the physical causes of school violence take place early on in development. Birth complications can trigger changes in a person’s body that can manifest later in violence. Some types of violence has been linked to brain dysfunction that can come when someone is deprived of oxygen at birth. Other factors can include babies that are born addicted to substances. Head injuries later in life can also alter the way the brain responds to certain situations, and that can lead to violence. Other physical factors that can contribute to violence include the physical changes that take place to the body and in the brain as a result of substances, including alcohol and illegal drugs. Being deprived of some substances, such as caffeine or cigarettes, can also make someone who is dependent on these substances to become edgy, irritable and anxious, and possibly violent.

Behavioral factors of school violence

Many of the school shootings that rocked the 1990s and early 2000s were caused, some think, by behavioral issues. Behavioral factors often come with personality issues, as well as social anxieties and shyness that may prevent teenagers from blending in with their classmates. Some become rebellious, or wish to get attention. Others have been bullied or teased, and begin harboring thoughts of revenge. Behavioral problems can also stem from the effects of anti-depressants and other drugs that are meant to help with problems. In the end, it is possible that behavioral problems can lead to school violence. Stress related to not feeling loved at home, concern about the future and other issues can also lead to school violence as a cry for help.

Learned factors of school violence

Another problem is that of learned violent behavior. In many cases, children and teens learn violent behavior from what goes on at home. These kids might be exposed to abusive parents. In some cases, these parents may flout authority, providing this as an example of behavior for teenagers, leading to violence in teens. In addition, exposure to violent media is believed to have some effect on school violence. Immersion in violent TV, movies and video games can lead to violent acts - or at least distort the way one reacts to acts of violence. While media is usually not the direct cause of violence, the learned behaviors portrayed can have some affect.

Availability of weapons

Another factor in the rise in school violence is the fact that weapons are more readily available than they were in past years. There are some estimates that in the early 1990s, as many as up to 250,000 guns were brought into schools across the country on any given day. Many teens know just where to find guns in their homes, as well as ammunition. Additionally, it is possible to acquire knives and guns legally and illegally in many areas without too much trouble. Combine this availability of weapons with the hormonal changes going on in teenagers, and the stresses of modern life, and it is not terribly surprising that school violence is a problem.

How to stop school violence

There is no one thing that can stop school violence. It requires a community effort. However, there are some things that you can do to help reduce school violence. First, you can set a good example of appropriate ways to handle situations. Also, you can teach your children to be vigilant, and to be respectful of other people. You should encourage them to use words, rather than violence to solve problems. It is also possible to get with community and school leaders to learn techniques that can reduce violence in schools.

Your children should be encouraged to report instances of school violence, or suspicious behavior, to authority figures at school who can help deal with the problem. In the end, it is up to communities to deal with school violence together.