Violence among youths

Youth is the premature version of the Homosapiens. It is the most vulnerable section of the society. Violence among youths is one of the most visible forms of violence in the society. It is evident in fights in schools and colleges, unrest during disagreements at home and workplaces. The victims and perpetrators of such violence, almost everywhere, are adolescents and young adults.

According to various surveys, homicide and non-fatal assaults involving young people contribute greatly to the global burden of premature death, injury and disability. Youth violence deeply harms not only its victims, but also their families, friends and communities. Its effects are seen not only in death, illness and disability, but also in terms of quality of life. Violence involving young people adds greatly to the cost of health and welfare services, reduces productivity, decreases the value of property etc.

Apart from undermining the structure of society, violent people divert from their main course of life. They display problems such as truancy and dropping out of school, substance abuse, compulsive lying, reckless driving etc. Witnessing violence at home may force youngsters to regard violence as an acceptable means of resolving problems.

Researchers have identified the factors predominantly responsible for youth violence to fall under following categories – relationship, society and community influences and situational reactions.

Parental behaviour and family environment are central factors in the development of violent behaviour in young people. Poor monitoring and supervision of children by parents and the use of harsh, physical punishment to discipline children are strong predictors of violence during adolescence and adulthood. Adolescents in families which have disintegrated because of conflicts or rapid social change show prevalent violent tendencies. Peers’ influence is also instrumental in shaping interpersonal relationships.

The rules, norms, obligations, reciprocity and trust that exist in social relations also determine the nature of young people. Young people living in places that lack the social capital, tend to perform poorly in schools and colleges. Rapid demographic changes in youth population, modernization, emigration, urbanization, social unrest have been linked with increase in youth violence. The political structures, their policies and mode of conduct also affect the behaviour of the youth.

Resorting to means such as demonstrations against the decisions of the governing body, either in a city or in any institution, instead of peaceful conversation shows the increase in the violence among youths.

Violence among the youth cannot be suppressed by force. It is a slow and steady process. Various social development programmes have been launched with the motive of reducing the antisocial and aggressive behaviour in children and violence among adolescents. Their focus is on managing anger, modifying behaviour, adopting a social perspective, moral development, building social skills, solving social problems and resolving conflicts. They also focus on improving the productivity and efficiency of the youth. No doubt, the social programmes are very active in solving the problems of the youth but what is indispensible is the support from parents and well wishers. Their role is to understand the situations being faced by the adolescents, their responses and the reasons behind them. It is their responsibility to show them the correct way to perform. Ultimately, it is the parents that understand the need of their wards.