Policy Recommendations: Prevention and Treatment of Youth Violence (From Reason to Hope: A Psychosocial Perspective on Violence & Youth, P 447-456, 1994, Leonard D Eron, Jacquelyn H Gentry, et al., eds. -- See NCJ-158633)

• NCJ Number: 158652
• Author(s): R G Slaby; J E Barham; L D Eron; B L Wilcox
• Date Published: 1994
• Length: 10 pages
• Sale Source: American Psychological Assoc
• Publication Type: Legislation/Policy Analysis
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: *This document is currently unavailable from NCJRS.

Annotation

These public policy recommendations for the prevention and treatment of youth violence are based on the view that violence is fostered within a broad environmental, social, and individual context and on the belief that early childhood experiences play a pivotal role in violent behavior.

Abstract

Early childhood interventions can help children learn to deal with social conflict effectively and nonviolently. Schools can be a leading force in providing safety and educational programs through which children can learn to avoid violence. All program efforts to reduce and prevent violence will benefit from heightened awareness of cultural diversity, and television and other media can contribute to the solution rather than to the problem of youth violence. In addition, major reductions in the most damaging forms of youth violence can be achieved by limiting youth access to firearms and by teaching children and youth how to prevent firearm violence. The reduction of youth involvement with alcohol and other drugs can also reduce violent behavior. Psychological health services for perpetrators, victims, and witnesses of violence can ameliorate damaging effects of violence. Educational programs can reduce the prejudice and hostility that may lead to hate crimes and violence against social groups. Finally, psychologists can act individually and in professional organizations to reduce violence among youth.