NCJ Number
187280
Journal
Juvenile Justice Update Volume: 6 Issue: 4 Dated: August/September 2000 Pages: 1-14-15
Date Published
September 2000
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article presents young people's views on the causes of youth violence and solutions.
Abstract
Do the Write Thing (DtWT) is a national program initiated by the National Campaign to Stop Violence. It is designed to encourage students in middle schools to discuss and write about youth violence in their communities and to make personal commitments to do something about the problem. The year 2000 DtWT program participants identified the following as major causes of youth violence in the United States: (1) peer pressure; (2) domestic violence; (3) family history of substance abuse; (4) youth substance abuse; (5) absence of family love and acceptance; (6) youth gang activity; (7) media violence; (8) bad role models; (9) gossip, jealousy, and put-downs; and (10) dead-end situations. Students also suggested ways young people, as individuals or groups, can reduce youth violence: make personal commitments to avoid drugs and violence, become positive role models for younger children, promote faith in God and moral values based in religious beliefs, become a peer counselor or conflict mediator, stay in school, and set positive personal goals and objectives. Program participants also suggested that communities provide parenting classes and encourage parents to become positive role models, provide positive organized afterschool activities, provide instruction and counseling on self-esteem, respect for others, conflict resolution, and problem solving, and provide trained peer conflict resolution mediators.