Youth Violence

History/ Background

Canada’s history of violence has influenced the acts of youth we see today. The first youth gang recorded in history was discovered before World War II. However, these gangs that were seen in the past lacked a criminal element contrasting what we see in today’s gangs (Tunstall, 2009, pg 1). The history of youth violence in the United States was superior to and more violent than it was in Canada at the time, however, trends of violence among youth made its way from the United States to influence Canada in more violent youth behaviour. More recently, 180 youth gangs were discovered to be active in the Greater Toronto Area in 2005, this resulted in the most violent year for youth in Ontario (Tunstall, 2009, pg 1). This history of youth violence from both Canada and the United States, most definitely shaped the amount of crime and violence we see from youth today.

Causes and Effects

There are many factors that influence youth violence and as well, various effects that it may have on the surrounding world. Homes containing absent parents, a low income, and substance abuse, have negative effects on the children, making them become more at risk for violent behaviour (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2013). Children raised in these types of families tend to relay the same behaviour on to their future families and children since the family is the first primary method of socialization (Voisin, 2007, pg 53). A child is at risk for violence if they have been a victim or an observer of violence in their past. Youth violence may also develop if the child has a mental disability, a low intelligence level or is extremely introverted (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2013). Peers and the community also ...

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...ve that these are just children who have been nurtured to act this way through their environment. For example, a new act of violence that has been spreading across the United States and is making its way to Canada is called the Knockout “Game” In this “game” unplanned victim is struck in the face by a youth without warning. This can lead to death or other injuries such as concussions, blood clots, or even brain damage. The more common opinion on this case is that the youth committing these crimes should be tried as adults and receive harsh punishments in order to stop and intimidate other teens who may be planning an attack such as this. This “game” has resulted in 4 deaths so far, but these acts of violence are still continuing to be performed (Weisz, 2013). People across North America, generally share the same views on youth violence and that it should be stopped.