In an emergency situation, if you feel you or others are in danger, or if your child refuses help, it may be necessary to contact local police for assistance or take the child to the nearest emergency room for evaluation.  

Do not hesitate to call 911 or a crisis hotline if you believe that your child is a danger to himself/herself or others.

Occurrence

Youth violence is an important public health problem that results in deaths and injuries.

The following statistics provide an overview of youth violence in the United States.

In 2003, 5,570 young people ages 10 to 24 were murdered—an average of 15 each day. Of these victims, 82% were killed with firearms (CDC 2006).

Although high-profile school shootings have increased public concern for student safety, school-associated violent deaths account for less than 1% of homicides among school-aged children and youth (Anderson et al. 2001).

In 2004, more than 750,000 young people ages 10 to 24 were treated in emergency departments for injuries sustained due to violence (CDC 2006).

In a nationwide survey of high school students (CDC 2004): 33% reported being in a physical fight one or more times in the 12 months preceding the survey 17% reported carrying a weapon (e.g., gun, knife, or club) on one or more of the 30 days preceding the survey.

An estimated 30% of 6th to 10th graders in the United States were involved in bullying as a bully, a target of bullying, or both (Nansel et al. 2001).

Consequences

Direct and indirect costs of youth violence (e.g., medical, lost productivity, quality of life) exceed $158 billion every year (Children's Safety Network Economics & Data Analysis Resource Center 2000).

In a nationwide survey of high school students, about 6% reported not going to school on one or more days in the 30 days preceding the survey because they felt unsafe at school or on their way to and from school (CDC 2004).

In addition to causing injury and death, youth violence affects communities by increasing the cost of health care, reducing productivity, decreasing property values, and disrupting social services (Mercy et al. 2002).

Groups at Risk

Among 10 to 24 year olds, homicide is the leading cause of death for African Americans, the second leading cause of death for Hispanics, and the third leading cause of death for American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Asian/Pacific Islanders (CDC 2006).

Of the 5,570 homicides reported in 2003 among 10 to 24 year olds, 86% were males and 14% were females (CDC 2005). Male students are more likely to be involved in a physical fight than female students (41% vs. 25%; CDC 2004).

Risk Factors

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