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How to Prevent Youth Violence

Youth violence has increased considerably over the last few decades. Young people are at least two times more likely to be victims of violence than adults. Many factors contribute to youth violence, including religious and cultural divisions or a lack of parental guidance. No matter what the circumstances are, programs can be implemented in all communities to educate young people and stop violence.

Things You'll Need

  • Program venue
  • Tables
  • Chairs
  • Adult leaders
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Instructions

  1. Youth Violence Prevention Methods

    • 1

      Set up a safe environment for young people to meet and learn about nonviolent resolution techniques. Split the youths into diverse groups to see how they get along when outside of their comfort zones. Note how they interact with one another when not influenced by youths they are familiar with.

    • 2

      Determine whether the issue is with an individual or with a group of youths. An individual youth should be addressed away from the group by an adult leader trained to deal with issues relating to youth violence. Remove the youth from the problematic situation. If the problem is with a group of youths, confront the group as a whole. Discuss the what the issue is and resolve the problem by working together.

    • 3

      Present a conflict resolution conversation with another adult mentor in front of the youths. Present a problem that the youths can relate to. Resolve the issue step by step, showing the young people how to come to a compromise rather than resort to violence. Reiterate the importance of finding a way to reach a peaceful resolution.

    • 4

      Teach youths how to communicate in a positive way with family, friends and acquaintances. Open a dialogue about how youths can cope with problems. Reinforce effective comprehension skills and encourage the young people to talk through problems.

    • 5

      Have youths work together to practice their communication skills. Evaluate how they interact with one another. If a problem arises, find the source of the issue and guide the children into a productive dialogue for resolution. Regulate the room of youths to make sure any negative communication is discouraged before it escalates.

    • 6

      Learn the tools for productive conflict resolution to help the youths avoid violent behavior. Encourage the youths to inform friends and family of the conversation and comprehension skills learned during the violence prevention program. Spreading the word about these tools will help prevent violent behavior when the youths are in an environment that is not controlled.

    • 7

      Create an environment in which the youths feel safe and important to the community. Respect both the adult leaders and the youths, so that they feel like equals. As a group, set up positive goals for the youths to work towards together outside of the program. Set up a time when the youths can meet with adult leaders, to ask questions or for further mentoring.

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