Summary
The factors associated with teen violence – and how to stop it – are examined in a new journal article in Academic Pediatrics that uses data from the California Health Interview Survey (CHIS). Center Faculty Associate Ninez Ponce and co-authors found that destructive behavior such as drug or alcohol abuse, poverty and even depression can factor into teen violence. In particular, the study is the first to suggest that depression may increase the risk of fighting for Latino youth, who in previous research have been found to have higher rates of depression than other groups. The key to mitigating teen violence? Support from parents and teachers. In the study, Latinos who said they felt supported by at least one person at their school were less likely to fight while white teens who perceived support from their families were also at decreased risk of violence.
