National Youth Violence Prevention Week: Causes Of Violence And How To Help

National Youth Violence Prevention Week occurs in the United States from April 25th to April 29th of every year. Observed since 2001, the goal of National Youth Violence Prevention Week is to raise awareness for and prevent youth violence. However, it can be essential to continue discussing and addressing youth violence year-round to keep the safety of the children and teens in each community safe. Understanding the causes of youth violence and how to support youth in your community are a few steps to take this April as you support the end of youth violence. 

Understanding youth violence: Facts, impacts on survivors, and common causes

Youth violence is prevalent in US society, but many agree it can be preventable. The Center For Disease Control (CDC) defines youth violence as “the intentional use of physical force or power to threaten or harm others by young people ages 10 to 24.” Youth violence can include but isn’t limited to bullying, fighting, or weapon-based acts and threats. 

According to Sandy Hook Promise, 12 children die due to gun violence in the United States per day, with more experiencing injuries. Gun violence is a leading and common cause of death among kids and teens, with one out of every ten gun-related deaths impacting people aged 19 or younger. In the United States, there have been over 2,000 school shooting incidents since 1970.

Among other consequences, there are various impacts of gun violence on young survivors, including the following:  

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

It’s estimated that around 28% of those who witness a mass shooting develop PTSD. Signs of PTSD that a child or parent may notice include hypervigilance, flashbacks, loss of interest in activities, avoidance of stimuli that reminds an individual of the event, changes in sleep, and irritability.

Difficulty sleeping

Difficulty sleeping and nightmares can be symptomatic of PTSD and may follow traumatic experiences.

Anxiety disorders and depression

Those who experience trauma in their childhood and teen years can be at a higher risk of experiencing anxiety disorders and depressive disorders, as well as other mental health conditions.

Challenges in school

Exposure to violence may impact academic functioning and contribute to other concerns, such as the fear of going to or returning to school. For example, 57% of teens worry that their school will be affected by a school shooting. 

Effects can range by individual. The list above is a common reference point showing symptoms seen in many survivors, but it may not apply to everyone. 

What causes youth violence?

It can be challenging to pinpoint one sole cause of youth violence. However, research shows commonalities among these events and what potential contributing factors may be.

If you are struggling with substance use, contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at (800) 662-4357 to receive support and resources. Support is available 24/7.

How can individuals and communities prevent youth violence?

Based on what researchers know about factors that can contribute to youth violence and modes of prevention, a few strategies can help individuals and organizations prevent youth violence in communities, including the following. 

If you see something, say something

Statistics suggest that in four out of five school shootings in the past, at least one individual knew about the plan but did not speak up. If you hear someone discussing a plan to engage in a violent act, consider speaking up as soon as possible, even if it seems like a joke. 

Raise awareness

While you may know how to speak up and bring a situation to the appropriate party if you hear about a plan to engage in a violent act, others may not know the importance. Consider bringing awareness to youth violence in your community and discuss when and how to speak up. 

The cost-free Say Something program teaches middle and high school students when and how to speak up. You can also alert students of the Say Something reporting system, which is available 24/7 and allows students to submit a report if they hear of a dangerous threat or risk. 

Prevent access to weapons

Limiting deadly weapons like guns or knives from your home, workplace, or school can potentially limit the possibility of crimes of opportunity. Additional ways to limit weapons include advocating for change and supporting legislation to defend youth from violence.

Cultivate a sense of belonging for youth

In some circumstances, perpetrators of youth violence have reported being isolated, socially rejected, or bullied. Anti-bullying initiatives and ensuring that kids have social connections and support can directly impact the youth violence rate. It’s noted that these efforts can also help with suicide prevention, another pervasive concern among kids, teens, and adults.

If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or urges, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or text 988 to talk to someone over SMS. Support is available 24/7.

Ensure children and teens have access to mental health support

Children and teens can benefit from having a safe space to talk and get support. Normalizing mental healthcare, making it easier and more comfortable for kids and teens to reach out, and making mental health support accessible to kids and teens can be critical to their well-being. For example: If a child or teen is experiencing mental health concerns, they may find solace in knowing that what they say in therapy will not make it back to their parents, save for cases where the individual is at risk of harming themselves or someone else. 

Supportive strategies for adult survivors of youth violence

For youth who have experienced violence, therapeutic modalities like Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for Trauma in Schools (CBITS) and the Skills for Psychological Recovery (SPR) program can be effective. However, traumatic childhood experiences can affect people of all ages, even months or years after the experiences have passed. There may not be a time limit on how concerns like youth violence and other sources of childhood trauma may impact someone, nor is there a time limit on when a person can seek support.  

If you’re an adult survivor of youth violence, strategically using supportive methods can lead to a higher quality of life. One of the most accessible and prevalent can include therapy, either online or in your area. Addressing concerns like post-traumatic stress disorder with the help of a clinician, finding peer support opportunities, and establishing healthy coping skills can all be advantageous to your healing process. 

Some individuals who experience youth violence may feel alone or as though others have moved on when they haven’t. It may be helpful to remember that you aren’t alone and that it can be typical for adverse childhood experiences like violence to impact an individual as an adult. Despite this factor, it can be possible to move forward, and you’re not alone. Therapy is often effective in treating concerns like PTSD, anxiety disorders, grief, and traumatic memories, and it can also help you establish coping skills to use in the present and future.

How can therapy support adult survivors of youth violence?

Survivors of youth violence can find it overwhelming to seek help or recount their experiences, which may be more difficult if they seek support in an unfamiliar or uncomfortable place. Online therapy through a platform like BetterHelp can offer an accessible and affordable way for some to get support without increasing their discomfort through the process, facilitating growth on their terms. 

Youth violence is a complex psychological affair that often requires a nuanced approach. Online therapy has been scientifically suggested to be an effective way to promote growth and healing in a way that is comparable to in-person therapeutic intervention. 

A recent study found that online therapy was deemed as effective as in-person therapy in treating conditions like PTSD, commonly seen in conjunction with trauma recovery and the healing process after violence. The study participants showed a reduction of trauma-related nervousness and depression, the effects of which extended through a follow-up period of three months.