Parents usually realize that it is their responsibility to help their teens if they are violent. Teen violence is a very real problem. However, it cannot be prevented if the warning signs of teen violence are not seen and addressed. The American Psychological Association (1) offers several warning signs that your teen might be violent. Carefully watch your teen if you suspect that he or she might be violent. If you recognize the signs, you might be able to get help as you address the reasons that your teen is acting out violently.
Immediate warning signs of teen violence
There are some warning signs that your teen might be violent that become evident over a short period of time. If these signs suddenly appear, it could be an indication that your teen is already engaging in, or possibly contemplating, violent behavior in his or her treatment of other people (1).
- Daily loss of temper
- Property damage of a significant amount, or vandalism of others' property to an extensive amount
- Frequent physical confrontations with family members, peers, and others
- An increase in risk-taking behaviors
- Threatening others
- Announcing plans to hurt others
- Increased use of alcohol or drugs (which is another problem itself)
- Acquiring and carrying a weapon
- Enjoys hurting animals
Delayed warning signs of teen violence
Not all warning signs that your teen may be violent will explode on you with immediacy. Some of the warning signs of teen violence are subtler. They add up over time, creating a warning that might be hard to miss at first. However, as you watch your teen over a period of months, you might be able to identify the following warning signs of teen violence (1).
- History of aggressive behavior
- Development of a serious drug or alcohol problem
- Idolization of gang members, or even involvement in gang activity
- Gradual withdrawal from regular friends
- Gradually dropping usual activities in favor of newer, suspect activities
- A fascination with weapons, especially how they kill people
- Fascination with owning a gun and language that expresses interest in using guns to harm others
- Regularly threatening other people
- Increased feelings of dejection and loneliness
- Increasing difficulty controlling one's emotions, especially anger
- Being the victim of severe teasing or bullying
- Poor school performance, especially if it is worse than before
- Trouble with authority figures
- Constant expressions of feeling disrespected
- Discipline problems
- Failure to recognize others' feelings, rights, and situations
Violent teens may show a few of the above signs and still not act out violently. However, it is extremely rare that a teen will act out violently without showing at least one or two of the above warning signs. It is important to be on the watch, especially if you notice changes in routine or if your teen shows signs of being bullied. These could be indications that your teen is moving toward violence due to feelings of frustration, and you can make the difference if you intervene.
Warning Signs of Violent Teens Sources:
- apahelpcenter.org/featuredtopics/feature.php?id=38&ch=3
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