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Javier Gonzalez

ENC 1101/Massey
10/13/15
Cause and Effect

Violence among children in the Unites States is rapidly spreading; it is now considered an
epidemic. A survey done by The Department of Justice in 2009 indicates that more than 60% of
the children observed were exposed to some violence in the form of: physical, psychological, or
emotional abuse. When children are exposed to violence in this manner, they are more likely to
abuse drugs and alcohol as well as be part of the cycle of violence where they themselves will
abuse other children and their own children as adults.
There are many reasons why a child can act in a violent manner. Poor parenting is the
easiest cause to identify. Poor parenting can include access to: violent video games, songs, and
movies. Many children, especially in low income areas, are constantly exposed to community
violence. These children experience incidents with: guns, knives, drugs and casual violence in
their own neighborhoods. Another important consideration is the exposure to domestic violence
some children have to witness in their lives. Over 3% of women experience physical abuse in the
United States and their children must witness violent acts of: verbal abuse, physical abuse, and
incidents with weapons. Studies also show that 60 to 75% of children who live within violent
homes also get physically abused. If the child is exposed to violence at an early age, they can
enact on what they see. Violence is very prevalent in todays society, starting with: video games,
music, and movies. This level of violence has a significant effect on a childs development.

Children who are exposed to violence in the: media, communities, and families have a higher
chance of becoming violent themselves.
Violence among children is a serious problem in the United States. In the last few years
homicide rates among children 1519 years of age increased 154% and are higher than ever
before. Violent behavior in children can include a range of behaviors such as: volatile temper
tantrums; physical aggression, fighting, threats; attempts to hurt others; use of weapons, cruelty
toward animals; and arson. Children who show the following behaviors should be carefully
evaluated: intense anger, frequent loss of temper, extreme irritability, extreme impulsiveness, and
who become easily frustrated.
If a parent or educator is concerned about a childs behavior; they should seek immediate
help from a qualified mental health professional. Early treatment by a professional can assist to
maintain the behavior under control. Children can learn strategies to manage their anger; express
frustrations in appropriate ways, be responsible; and accept consequences for their actions.
Family conflicts, school problems, and community issues must also be dealt with and addressed.
Officials in the United States continue to struggle with ways to control violence among
youngsters. The cycle of abuse begins when the parent has been abused him or herself as a child.
Furthermore, children are exposed to violence in many ways: physical, emotional; in their
communities; and as witnesses to their parents abusing each other verbally and physically. The
consequences are devastating to our society. We must continue to work together to find better
ways to stop the vicious cycle of violence in our country.

Works Cited

http://www.justice.gov/defendingchildhood/facts-about-children-and-violence
https://www.princeton.edu/futureofchildren/publications/docs/09_03_2.pdf
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0749379798000099

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