Teen violence is real. In today’s society, it is a big part of a teen’s life.

Motor vehicle accidents and violence (due to dangerous weapons) are the 2 commonest cause of death among teens.

Gang violence among teens is also a growing concern. It can result in a teen to being shot at, stabbed, or beaten to death.

The longer a child lives in a violent environment, the more violent they may become.

World Health Organisation reveals that almost 16 million teens have been exposed to some form of violence.

The statistics in Malaysia shows that 27.4 % of teenager in school is involved in violent behaviour. Among whom 35% were seriously injured.

1. What are the reasons teens are involved in weapon related risk taking behaviours?

   • If there is violence in your family, there is a risk of you to become involved in future violence.

   • Being a victim of abuse at home may cause violence in school.

   • Violent television programs may promote aggressive behaviour in teens.

   • Peer pressure. If you hang out with friends with high risk behaviour, you too will be tempted to get involved.

   • Drug use often contributes to violent behaviour. Alcohol leads to higher levels of offending and high-risk behaviours.

   • Teens who do not participate in afterschool programs are nearly three times more likely to skip classes at school than teens who do participate. Hence higher chance of high risk behaviour

   • Gang culture and violence is often glamorised in media, music, movies and computer games. This may tempt you to carry dangerous weapons.

2. How can you avoid being involved in high risk behaviour and weapon related violence?

   • Your parents must not keep dangerous weapons at home, within the reach of teens.

   • Parents must be a good role model in resolving conflicts in a non- violent manner. The best way to help prevent teen violence is by not allowing it in your home, treat each other, including your teen with respect and courtesy.

   • Start talking about ways to reduce or eliminate violence.

   • Team up with other teens and get involved in your community; join your neighbours in activities to reduce violence.

   • Talk to your parents, teachers and school counsellors about ways to solve arguments and fights without weapons or violence.

   • Parents should instil resilience in their teens.

   • You need to recognize situations or events that are likely to escalate into violence. Get advice from trusted adult to avoid potentially violent situations

   • You may want to limit your screen time (television, computers, videos, video games etc) to 1 to 2 hours in a day.

   • Avoid watching violent movies or TV programs. If something violent comes on the TV, talk about what is wrong with the program and how the situation could have been handled in a better way.

   • Anger is a normal feeling.  Anger does not have to be bad if expressed appropriately. However if it makes you react aggressively e.g throwing a punch or hitting the provocateur, then you have problem controlling your anger. Count to 10. Cool off.

   • If you can’t control your anger, try to get your emotion under control. You must learn to control your anger before you can control a situation.

   • Sometimes counselling is necessary to help teens deal with their anger appropriately.

   • Learn problem solving techniques from trusted adults e.g teachers, school leader, counsellors or your family members.

   • You need to develop interpersonal relationship skills. Listen carefully to the other person’s opinion.

   • Be willing to admit and be responsible for something you may have done wrong.

   • Respond with your HEAD – not your fists, threats, or weapons.

   • Think about the options and consequences of your actions. For example, hitting someone could result in suspension from school or injury.

   • Enhance your own positive self-image by improving their skills in decision-making, communication and problem-solving

   • NEVER carry a gun or other dangerous weapons e.g knife, machete etc with you at any time.

   • Take active role in after school programmes at your school/college. This keeps you away from unnecessary distractions.

   • Enrol in uniform groups and school society e.g Boys scout, Girl’s Guide, Volunteer groups, Music band etc.

   • You must refuse to bring a weapon to school. You must refuse to carry a weapon for another student, and refuse to keep silent about those who carry weapons.

   • Report any crime immediately to school authorities or the police.

   • Report suspicious or worrisome behaviour by other students to a teacher or counsellor. You may save someone’s life.

Keep away from high risk behaviour.
Weapon related violence can destroy your future!

REFERENCE

1. Centre for Disease Control and Prevention  http://www.cdc.gov/Violenceprevention/youthviolence

2. Image: www.wired.com

3. Global School Based Student Health Survey Malaysia 2012