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It can be dangerous to be a kid. Teen-agers are wielding more and more weapons, and those under 18 are increasingly likely to be the victims of crime, especially at the hands of their peers. It's almost impossible to grow up without being touched by violence, whether in our neighborhoods, schools, or in our own homes. Violence and fear have become everyday occurrences in young people's lives---in the words we use, on TV, in music, and in games.
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Seventy-seven percent of school deaths are caused by firearms.
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Life doesn't have to be this way. Youth---and adults---can learn that force is not the best way to get what we want. We can stop making violence look cool---we can dispel the myth that violence will bring respect.
You Have a Voice and a Choice
It takes courage to do what you think is right, to listen to that voice in your head that warns your to be careful. Remember, you always have a choice. You can:
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world.
Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."
Margaret Mead
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Think ahead. What are the consequences? If I do think, what will happen to me, my family, and my friends?
Talk with your friends. You can help each other by discussing what really happens as a result of violence.
Reach out to friends who are in trouble. Just listening can be a powerful thing.
Question why you spend time with certain friends. We all want to be accepted---but ask yourself if your respect and feel safe around the people you are with.
Ask for help. There are people who care---people who understand and people you can trust to protect you.
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Dating: Love Shouldn't Hurt
Dating should be fun and carefree---a time to experience new emotions, form close friendships, share wonderful moments, and be the special focus on another person's life. Dating should never be scary or uncomfortable. Watch for these warning signs - Does your boyfriend or girlfriend:
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Threaten or injure you?
Get jealous?
Give orders or ignore your opinion?
Cause you to worry about how they'll react to things you do
or say?
Lose their temper or brag about mistreating others?
Pressure you for sex to get too serious too fast?
Use drugs or alcohol and pressure you to use them too?
Believe that men should be in control and women should be
submissive?
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If you answered yes to any of these questions, think seriously about whether you want to stay in the relationship. Talk to your parents or guardians, a trusted friend, a school counselor, or other person whose judgement you trust.
Adolescent Girls Must "Know the Rules"
Adolescent girls are at disproportionate risk of becoming victims of rape, sexual assault, or stranger abduction that ends in murder, according to a study by the Justice Department and the Washington State Office of the Attorney General.
Adolescent girls tend to be fearless. They feel sophisticated and immortal, even though they lack street savvy and adult judgement. They are often on their own, with lots of time unsupervised by parents or adults. They may take their first jobs, meeting order people in the workplace. Many begin to date and experiment with alcohol and drugs.
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children has launched a campaign called "Know the Rules" to educate girls and their parents of the risks. The Know the Rules campaign wants to teach girls how to protect themselves, in part by emphasizing that they are already strong and smart.
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
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Don't go out alone.
Always tell an adult where you're going.
Say no when you feel threatened by what someone says or how
they act.
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