Quite often, there are a variety of factors that come together to increase the likelihood that a teen will become violent.
Individual Risk Factors
A history of abuse, neglect, and trauma play a significant role in increasing aggressive or violent behavior. Being exposed to or witnessing violence increases risk. Research suggests that ongoing exposure to violence in the home and community normalizes the experience of violence. A history of aggressive behavior increases a teen’s risk of behaving violently. Teens with low IQ, cognitive deficits, or learning disorders are more likely to behave violently. Attention deficit and hyperactivity are also risk factors. Mental health issues and emotional distress play a role in violent behavior. But it’s important to note that most teens with mental illness do not become violent. Antisocial beliefs and involvement in illegal activity—such as using drugs and alcohol—also increase the chances a teen will become physically aggressive. Historically, males are more likely to engage in physical altercations. However, in recent years, violence perpetrated by females is on the rise.
Educational Risk Factors
Statistics show that urban schools report higher rates of student victimization compared to rural schools. However, it is important to note that these disparities are influenced by higher population density, increased socioeconomic inequalities, and heavier policing present in urban areas. During the 2015-2016 school year, 79% of schools reported at least one incident of violence, theft, or other crimes. School departments who report gang and drug activity have higher rates of violence. Students who perform poorly during elementary school are at an increased risk for violent behavior during high school. Teens who drop out of school are more likely to commit acts of violence and to become victims of violence.
Community Risk Factors
Communities with substandard housing and economic decline can contribute to teens feeling like society does not care about them and sometimes they express their anger through violence.High transient rates and low community involvement also contribute to a lack of sense of belonging for teens and can lead to increased crime and violence. When teens witness violence in their neighborhoods or they become victims of violent crimes, they’re much more likely to become offenders.
Family Risk Factors
Inconsistent discipline, including overly harsh and overly permissive discipline, can cause teens to act out. A lack of supervision also gives teens opportunities to join gangs, use drugs, and engage in antisocial behavior.A lack of emotional attachment to parents or caregivers increases the likelihood that teens will disregard authority.Untreated parental mental illness contributes to unstable home life and the parent-teen relationship which can increase a teen’s risk of aggression.Parents with a lower income and less education are more likely to have teens who engage in violent behavior. Parents who abuse drugs or alcohol also increase a teen’s risk of behaving violently.Childhood abuse and neglect increase the chances that a teen will commit a violent crime.Stressful family environments, such as a lack of a father in the home, conflict in the home, or parental role modeling of inappropriate behavior contribute to a teen’s sense of worthlessness which can lead to violent behavior.
Social Risk Factors
When teens have easy access to guns, they are more likely to engage in violence. Guns also increase the chances that violent acts will be fatal.Associating with delinquent peers can increase a teen’s risk of becoming involved in illegal and violent activity.Low involvement in structured activities, like clubs or sports, can play a role in violent behavior.Media portrayals of illegal behavior can desensitize teens to violence. News coverage can lead to teens to feel afraid for their safety, which can encourage them to carry weapons.
Getting Help for a Violent Teen
If you see signs of violence, it’s important to seek immediate help for your teen. Even milder acts of aggression, such as hitting a younger sibling or destroying property on purpose, shouldn’t be ignored. Violence can get worse over time if left unaddressed. Talk to your teen’s doctor if you have concerns. Your teen’s doctor may recommend treatment with a mental health professional. Treating the behavior now can reduce the chances a troubled teen will become a violent adult.
