Band 90-100

INCREASING VIOLENCE AMONG YOUNGSTERS

     According to The National Youth Violence Prevention Resource Center, nearly 1561 young people, whose ages were under 18, were arrested for assassination in 2000. Throughout the world, 250.000 homicides occur among youngsters who are between10-29 years old each year, which means the %41 of the annual total number of homicides. These statistics demonstrate that the rate of youth violence is quite conspicuous. When a trouble arises, the factors that cause this trouble should be taken into consideration. The research that was done by some experts resulted in the view that there are three major factors of violence in youth. These are family, educational and social factors. Such factors, and more, bring about increasing the rate of violence among young people.

     First of all, family factors can be viewed as the most leading one causing violence among youngsters. A research conducted by Sezer Ayan in 2007 indicates that the teenagers who were exposed to violence while growing up are apt to violence more than the others. Parents had better care about their children so that they can receive sufficient affection which is their imperative requirement all the time. Parents should be aware of how to interact with their children. In order to accomplish this, parents need to be well-educated. Low parental education might lead lack of communication between parents and children. Unfortunately, parents leaving their children in front of TV sets may be observed almost everywhere. They do not even control what their children watch. It is probable that children may watch some movies or cartoons that include violent scenes without parents’ supervision. All these elements may contribute to the idea that it is quite crucial for parents to engage in their children and make them they are of great importance to their parents.

     Second major factor that brings about violence among youngsters can be educational factors. According to CDC’s study, about %2 of homicides occur among school-age children. When children begin to get education at schools, they spend much time with their teachers and other pupils more than their parents. Interaction problems may arise between teachers and students. Unless the teacher tries to put an end to such problems, this situation might become more and more troublesome. For instance, children may be deprived of their willingness to participate lessons. Additionally, they may escape from school, which most probably results in failing. Many of them may be prone towards becoming a part of gangs due to this failure. Since it is very likely for teenagers to be influenced by their peers because of the features of puberty, one student can cause the others to be drawn to gangs without difficulty. As a result of these determinants, they might be involved in violence either with their own decision or with pressure of their friends.

     The third of the most considerable factors of violence among youngsters is social factors. Unemployment can be thought as a major factor of this issue. Particularly in Turkey, the case of unemployed university graduates is an enormous problem. There are approximately 600.000 people suffering from this situation. This tough issue may cause some people to have psychological problems. Furthermore, when the people around the jobless ones begin to neglect them, their problem is likely to become a lot more bothersome. Income inequality in a society might be one of the consequences of unemployment in a country. Such cases may also have an effect on addiction to drugs or alcohol. Due to the fact that their mental health is not fine enough, they may consider that these addictions are appropriate ways to dispose of their troubles. One can be sure that addicted people will not be able to control themselves. They are likely to be brutal against their family members. Each element influences one another and most probably engenders violence.

     To put in a nutshell, the increasing rate of violence among youngsters is a problematic issue all around the world. According to the studies that were conducted previously, family, educational and social factors are the main reasons for this social case. Family is the basis of a society. To head on to such social problems, the first thing to do is establish well-educated families knowing how to raise their children. Insufficient education at schools triggers violence, as well. Social factors, such as unemployment, income inequality, addiction, are said to have a significant effect on rising rate of violence among teenagers. As this is a social issue and family is the essence of a society, every parent is supposed to care about their children and teach them to love the life they live in before the gloves are off.

Author: Fatmagul Ozalp (ELT-2)