Factors that may contribute to teen violence
Teen violence is a complicated problem. No one factor has been shown to cause violence in teens. Known risk factors for violent behavior include:
- Alcohol or drug use.
- Being friends with or "hanging out" with older delinquent teenagers or adults.
- A history of aggression or violent behavior during childhood.
- Exposure to violence at home or in the community.
- Exposure to media violence, such as television, videos, and computer or video games.
- Involvement in illegal drug dealing.
- Possession of weapons, especially firearms.
- Poverty.
Other factors that are thought to contribute to teen violence include:
- Access to guns and other violent weapons.
- Being a victim of school bullying.
- Child maltreatment, including physical, sexual, and emotional abuse.
- Hyperactivity or poor impulse control.
- Neglect and ineffective parenting.
| Author: | Jan Nissl, RN, BS | Last Updated: January 18, 2008 |
| Medical Review: | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine Brigid McCaw, MD, MS, MPH, FACP - Family Violence Prevention | |
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