NCJ Number
148903
Journal
Carnegie Quarterly Volume: 39 Issue: 1 Dated: (Winter 1994) Pages: 6-15
Editor(s)
A Russell
Date Published
1994
Length
10 pages
Annotation
Experts on juvenile violence increasingly believe that violence is not random, uncontrollable, or inevitable; instead, it is learned, and children can be taught alternatives.
Abstract
Reversing the trend of violence among the young requires teaching prosocial behavior at home, in child care centers, and in preschool programs. At its earliest stage, violence begins with good health care for the mother and child and the bonding of the child to a caring adult. The limited research on conflict resolution and mediation programs also indicate positive effects in reducing violence. For children and adolescents in impoverished communities, social support systems and life skills training are needed. Schools are the places where the efforts against violence need to receive educational focus and where children should be safe throughout the day. Other needed efforts include gang prevention programs that begin early and the use of mentors to help inner-city youth cope with extremely difficult situations. In addition, policies and programs to prevent violence should focus on measures that affect and protect adolescents and children. More effective policing, law and education to limit adolescents' access to firearms and change their attitudes as well, and more effective policing are among the efforts needed. Descriptions of three violence prevention projects and 28 references