Youth Involvement with Gangs

Sources: safeyouth.org, nationalgangcenter.gov, ericdigests.org

Though gangs were once considered to be an inner-city issue, there has been a recent and dramatic rise in gang-related problems in smaller cities, towns, and rural areas. Youth involvement with gangs also seems to be an expanding problem. Currently, the average age of gang members is 17-18 years old; however, trends show that gang membership is moving toward younger ages.

Gang membership can provide youth with status, acceptance, and enhanced feelings of self esteem. This is especially attractive to teenagers who may feel alienated from their peers, families, or both. Financial gain is also a motive for joining gangs. However, much of the financial reward is a result of drug trade, and though it offers temporary relief from economic hardships, the long-term legal and social consequences are great. Further consequences of gang involvement include school drop out, teenage pregnancy, and unstable employment. Criminal activity which begins in adolescence may continue throughout adulthood, resulting in lost opportunities for education, employment, healthy relationships, and other positive experiences.

As always, youth need an abundance of support and encouragement from friends, family, and positive adult influences. Creating a strong, loving family environment provides a crucial sense of acceptance and security for youth, thus making it less likely they will seek alternative sources for validation and community. Teens’ consistent participation in school and activities such as sports, music, and art also contributes to their sense of self and belonging, while simultaneously promoting healthy, mutual relationships with their peers.

If you are concerned about youth involvement in gangs, have open conversations with your children, friends, neighbors, and school administrators. In addition, utilize resources such as the National Gang Center and Gang Resistance and Education Training in order to provide education tools, prevention strategies, and intervention techniques to your community.

Dating Violence

Sources: cdc.gov; vawnet.org; Virginia Department of Health

Research indicates that dating violence is a serious problem in our country for men and women in both straight and gay relationships. Among high school students, in particular, studies have shown rates of physical dating violence to be anywhere between 9% and 57%. Unfortunately, teenagers may have difficulty recognizing signs of dating violence, and the abuse often goes unreported. Abusive relationships can have short and long term negative effects on the developing teen.  Victims of teen dating violence are more likely to do poorly in school, engage in binge drinking, and attempt suicide.  Victims may also carry the patterns of violence into future relationships. It is therefore crucial to recognize different types of abuse and know how to respond if confronted with dating violence.

Abusive relationships can involve physical, sexual, and psychological or emotional violence. Physical abuse is any physically forceful contact with another person, such as pushing, hitting, or biting. Sexual violence is any unwanted touching, using someone for sex, or pressuring someone to do something he or she does not want to. Signs of psychological or emotional abuse include verbal insults, criticism, behaviors such as jealousy and isolation, and threats and intimidation. If you find yourself in an abusive relationship, consider talking to someone you trust, seeking medical attention, or creating a safety plan that outlines safe places, people, and professional resources. For those who may be concerned a loved one is being abused, let them know that you care, listen without judging, and encourage them to get help.

Resources:
Shelter for Help in Emergency Hotline (434) 293-8509
Sexual Assault and Resource Agency Hotline (434) 977-7273
Family Violence and Sexual Assault Virginia Hotline 1-800-838-8238

Bullying

Source: kidshealth.org; American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

In light of recent events in our country involving bullying and its extreme consequences, an exploration of bullying is well-deserved. Incidents of bullying often only appear in mainstream media when the harassment results in hospitalization or even suicide. However, statistics indicate that one-half of all children are bullied at some point in their lives, and 10% of youth are bullied on a regular basis (American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry). Furthermore, victims of bullying frequently exhibit withdrawal, depression, and anxiety, as well as disruption in social development, self-esteem, and academic performance. Bullies themselves do poorly in school, have little career success, and engage in more violent behaviors as adults.

Bullying is not a new phenomenon. It has existed for generations and has been depicted in media and film for years, such as in Back to the Future, School Ties, and Mean Girls. As our society is supposedly progressing toward greater acceptance of differences among and between people, bullying seems to be a growing problem. Cyberbullying, in particular, has allowed for an increase in bullying. It is now possible to harass someone via various technologies, such as text message and social networking sites, at any time or from any place. (For statistics on Cyberbullying: http://www.pewinternet.org/Reports/2007/Cyberbullying/1-Findings/04-The-rumor-mill-speeds-up.aspx?r=1)

Youth are often bullied because of their appearance or their social status. Generally, they do not fit in and are different from other youth in behavior, race, religion, or sexual orientation. Bullying is relentless; it creates chronic stress and a constant state of fear within the victim. It is therefore crucial for the bully, the victim, and witnesses of bullying to know what to do. This website provides possible steps to preventing and disrupting bullying.

 

Teen Violence

Source: American Psychological Association

It is estimated that one in 12 high school students is threatened or injured with a weapon each year. This statistic means that roughly 345 students enrolled in an Albemarle County high school will be threatened or injured with a weapon each year and 102 students in Charlottesville City high school.

If you're between the ages of 12 and 24, you face the highest risk of being the victim of violence. While there is no single explanation for youth violence, many different factors can cause violent behavior. The more these factors are present in your life, the more likely you are to commit an act of violence.  These factors can include peer pressure, early childhood abuse or neglect, witnessing violence in the home, or easy access to weapons.

When you recognize warning signs in someone else, there are things you can do. Hoping that someone else will deal with the situation is the easy way out. Above all, be safe. Don't spend time alone with people who show warning signs. Tell someone you trust and respect about your concerns and ask for help. This could be a family member, guidance counselor, teacher, school psychologist, coach, clergy, school resource officer or friend.

If you are worried about being a victim of violence, get someone in authority to protect you. Do not resort to violence or use a weapon to protect yourself. The key to really preventing violent behavior is asking an experienced professional for help. The most important thing to remember is don't go it alone.

For more information on this topic please visit:
http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/warning-signs.aspx#

Cutting and Self-Injury

Source: kidshealth.org

Some people try to cope with the pain of strong emotions by cutting themselves with a sharp object or burning their skin with a cigarette or match.  This type of self-injury behavior – also known as cutting – is sometimes a sign of other mental health problems such as depression, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, obsessive thinking, or compulsive behaviors.  Some people cut because they feel desperate for relief from bad feelings and are unaware of better ways to get relief.  However, there are other ways to cope with difficulties besides cutting.  Seeking help from a mental health professional might be needed for major life troubles and for other situations it may help to talk with parents, friends, or school counselors.

There are many dangers associated with cutting or burning yourself.  People who cut usually don’t intend to hurt themselves.  However, it is possible to misjudge the depth of a cut which can lead to blood loss and hospitalization.  Cuts can become infected and leave scars.  In addition to these risks factors, people who cut often feel that they are “addicted” to the behavior and don’t learn other healthy ways to deal with stress.  Although cutting may provide some temporary relief, even people who cut agree that it isn't a good way to get that relief.  The problems behind why a person cuts themselves remain.

For more information on this topic please visit http://kidshealth.org/teen/your_mind/feeling_sad/cutting.html#

December Topic of the Month
The holidays are right around the corner and this year may be more difficult than most for people to fulfill the spirit of “giving”. In your family, you may have noticed that trouble with the economy has limited the activities you’ve been able to participate in, travel opportunities and gift-giving.
A big problem every holiday season is shoplifting, and teen shoplifting is increasing due to the troubled economy. In the United States, shoplifters steal about $25 million in merchandise from stores each day! Some reasons that teens have reported for shoplifting include the “thrill” of it, the rush you might get as a result of getting away with something. Some teens do it to fit in with their peers or to support a drug or alcohol addiction. Teens also report that they’ve shoplifted because it helps them relieve stress and anxiety, which could be the result of things going on at home or at school. Sometimes teenagers steal simply because they want something nice that they can’t afford.
Teenagers who are caught shoplifting are detained instantly, usually after they are publicly handcuffed and escorted out of the store. Usually your parents are called. Teens often report that once they steal for the first time, it’s usually difficult for them to stop, most commonly because of the euphoria that results from the behavior. Multiple shoplifting offenses can earn a teenager a criminal record. This makes it more difficult to be hired for a job or to get into college.
As the holidays come and gift giving begins, don’t feel pressured to shoplift gifts for people, but try to find an honest way to explain to your family and friends that money has been tight. They will be sure to understand. Most people have limited resources this year. If the reason why you get a thrill out of shoplifting is because it helps you relieve stress or anxiety, please call our hotline (972-SAFE) and speak with a counselor about other, safer ways to deal with stress and anxiety. If you feel like you can’t stop shoplifting, please call us as well, it might be the result of a bigger psychological condition.
This year, as the holidays approach, please remember the importance of acting like an honest member of society. The consequences of stealing something either to give as a gift or to wear to your best friends Christmas party aren’t worth it, and might ruin your holidays altogether. As resources are tight, brainstorm with your friends, have fun and try to think of good and creative ways to give gifts this season!

Safe Driving
Believe it or not, most traffic deaths happen between December and January, usually between 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. A surprising amount of these deaths are alcohol related and involve 15- to 20-year-olds. The same 15-20 year old teen group comprises the highest blood alcohol levels out of all individuals involved in drunk-driving accidents. This doesn’t just stop during the holiday season, either, the numbers increase during other related events such a proms and graduations, as well as an occurrence of events that take place during summer vacation.
This time of year teens are socializing with friends more than usual (following the incoming new year) and this means a lot more teenagers and adolescents are on the road, and unfortunately participating in celebratory social activities that may involve drinking.
Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) has compiled a list of typical myths and their truths. Pay attention to some of these, and consider whether you or a friend of yours believes any of them to be true. If so, maybe it’s time to spread the knowledge in order to keep yourself and those close to you safe.

The highest amounts of heavy and binge drinking occur in adolescents. Some negative affects of drinking, as a teenager, are as follow:

It appears that it is best to focus on the positive outcomes of not drinking alcohol. For example, staying away from alcohol lets adolescents and young adults:

If you ever find yourself around alcohol and uncomfortable because of it, look here to find ways to say “NO” to alcohol: http://www.teengrowth.com/index.cfm?action=info_article&ID_article=1269
Also, here are some tips to help avoid alcohol-related disasters:
https://www.achievesolutions.net/achievesolutions/en/Content.do?contentId=8813
PLEASE remember to do everything you can to stay safe and make smart decisions. Also, be cautious in remembering that the winter is high risk fatality season for adolescents due to poor weather conditions, but there are ways to stay safe.