Recent Trends in Teen Violence
By , December 2006
In recent years, the country has delighted in a drastic decrease in crime rates. In the 1980’s the crime rate soared to an all-time high, peaking in 1994. Luckily, by 2004 the rate of crime dropped 30 percent. Although it is impossible to detect the exact reasons for this decline of the crime rate, officials suggest that improved economic conditions, a growing prison population, gun and illegal drug laws, and greater access to housing and employment may have much to do with it.
Perhaps the most important reason for the decline is the recent focus on teen violence. According to the Chapin Hall center for Children at the University of Chicago, “Plunging rates in youth violence fueled growing optimism about youth crime policies and programs, including detention reform, family treatment, and substance abuse intervention.”
However, the crime rate decline may be coming to an end. Juvenile crime rates have grown substantially between 2004 and 2005. Arrests for murder grew 20 percent, and arrests for robbery grew 11 percent, while rates for the same crimes among adults grew only six percent for murder and one percent for robbery. This trend has officials worried about teen violence.
What is the solution to these problems? According to Chapin Hall, “Crime-prevention strategies should focus on at-risk youth between the ages of 15 and 24, and most of these young people are not under the jurisdiction of the juvenile justice system. To prevent violent crime, policymakers must support community-based strategies that can reach all young people, especially those who are disconnected from school, work, and family and those who are from distressed and impoverished neighborhoods.”
It may be too soon, however, to formally recognize a coming peak in the crime rate. The crime rate would have to continue growing at the same rate for 19 years before it would be as high as it was in 1994. Still, as teen violence increases, it is important for parents of teens to take charge and recognize the signs of potential teen violence problems.
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