Loss of "Connectedness"

Many Americans feel isolated from other people due to parents working, kids staying home alone, neighbors not knowing neighbors, ect. Some psychologists feel that this contributes to a self-centered attitude that can turn into violence when someone gets in the way.

Lack of Family Support and Control

According to the Carnegie Council on Adolescent Development, today's teens spend less time with parents and other adults than they did just a few decades ago, and more time watching television or with their peers in unsupervised environments. Unfortunately, some parents are not providing the warmth, guidance, or discipline that helps kids grow into connected, caring adults.

Media Influences

The media portrays violence as glamorous, easy, and attractive, and an everyday occurrence.

Teen Subcultures/Guns

Violent behavior is often a way of gaining respect within teen gangs. Combine that with the easy availability of guns, and you have the ingredients for violence.

Alcohol, Other Drugs, and Risk-Taking

According to some psychologists, mind-altering substances tend to bring our strongest emotions to the surface. For some teens, the strongest emotions are anger and rage. Using alcohol and other drugs is often part of a pattern of violent, risk-taking behavior.

Poverty

Studies show that murder rates soar in neighborhoods where men have no jobs and women struggle to raise children alone.