Today’s teenagers have been stereotyped as adventurous and harebrained individuals.  They are generally fond of experimenting with things until they get in touch with drugs, sex, guns, alcohol among others. According to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention figures, 16,000 young adults die each year from unintentional injuries and accidents.  The most common justification for teenagers’ care-free attitude is that their brains just aren’t developed enough to know better. However, recent research shows that in some cases the fact is just the opposite, the brain matures not too slowly but perhaps, too quickly.

According to a psychiatrist, an adolescent who engages in more dangerous activities have white-matter pathways that seem to be more mature than those of risk-averse youths.  White-matter is the brain’s wiring, the neutral pathways that connect the various gray-matter regions of the cerebrum that are independent of one another.  Having a mature white-matter is necessary because it allows faster brain processing speed.  Nerve impulses also travel faster in mature white-matter. Experiments also reveal that the more mature the look of the brain, the more adventurous the teenager tended to be.
Another possible explanation is that some teenagers whose brains develop more rapidly than others become uncomfortable and a little confused owing to the gap between their biological capabilities and the social norms they must follow as kids. Precocious development of these neural tracts may make some adolescents more susceptible to engage in behaviors that society considers too adult in nature for their chronological age. It is also a common notion that teens make dumb decisions because their brains are immature. In other words, having a more mature brain may actually motivate some teens to try out new and potentially harmful experiences.
For now, these theories are mere speculation, and the researchers concede that the interaction of white and gray matter is so complex that hard conclusions remain elusive. The results of the study are relatively bare and by no means conclusive. The human brain is so intricate in nature, and one has to consider the fact that there are other factors that come into play such as the environment and certain genetic predispositions that are equally complex to study.

Just recently, CNN reported a heart-breaking news about a Berkeley teen who was convicted in the murder of his father. The victim was raising three kids on his own when one of them, for reasons unknown, murdered him with a gunshot to the head.  The judge handling the case found the 16-year-old teen guilty of first-degree murder with an enhancement for using a gun in the death of his 40-year-old father.

When the teen was sentenced, the judge could have him locked up in the California Division of Juvenile Justice until he reaches the age of 25. He could also face a variety of other sentences, including being placed on probation and sent home, being sent to a group home or placed in minimum security reform centers. Regardless of what happens, a life was lost and the life of the teenager and those of his siblings are put in jeopardy with the uneventful passing of their father who is supposed to guide them in today’s chaotic environment.

Teen violence is increasingly becoming one of the most serious problems of modern society. It is a curse not only for the victim but for his/her family and the entire society as well. It is also responsible for thousands of deaths every year around the world.  This kind of violence alienates the victim from his/her family, friends and loved ones. Teenagers who engage in violence, generally try to keep themselves away from everyone. Psychologists explain that they do so for the sake of getting away from social embarrassment. Teen abuse lawyers advocate that the victim must get proper legal support at such delicate phase of her/his life.

Young adults are complicated, inquisitive, and filled with potential. Once left unchecked, they can blow up in a million pieces, causing problems resulting to irreparable damage or even death. This is precisely the reason why parents are endowed with the moral obligation to guide their teens during this crucial stage in their lives.

Oftentimes teenagers find their peer groups to be more significant to them than their parents. This being the case, it is as if parents are handling over the life of their teen to the type of group he/she may belong to. With this change come different expectations. This is why friends are such a key developmental and influential factor in the teenage years. Many teens who get involved in gangs are simply trying to live out their new group’s expectations rather than their parents’. Adolescents are all on an equal plane when it comes to violent behavior. Regardless of background, almost all adolescents become significantly more violent after puberty and it drops off again somewhere in their mid-20s.

If we can only get rid of memories of traumatic events maybe it can diminish distress especially among our children and young adults. Such is not the case because we are not programmed to do so. Remembering what transpired on 9/11 can be a lot more difficult and painful especially among those who lost a loved one or for those who were directly impacted by that tragic day when terrorists struck fear and anxiety into the hearts of people from all corners of the globe. Moreover, media coverage commemorating the events in a detailed manner may heighten distress or indifference among our children.
So the question is, how can parents explain something so gruesome and traumatic to their children?  Parents can’t shield their children from acquiring information about what is so significant about 9/11. It is a thing of the past but it definitely left an indelible mark in history and on the eight anniversary of the attacks on the World Trade Center, as publication of news and photos of that tragic day find their way to our newspapers, television screens and the Internet, parents are dumbfounded about the manner on how they can explain to their children this hard and complex subject.
There are certain tips which may help all concerned parents on this particular issue. The first thing to do is to try to relax while discussing the topic. You have to consider the fact that talking about violent acts won’t increase your children’s fear any more than harbor anxiety about the unknown. Try to determine and feel what your child already knows about the event so you can somehow gauge the impact of the information you want to discuss thereby establishing the parameters of the subsequent conversation.
Try to be as transparent and honest as possible although you can opt to refrain from providing detailed information.  Children are generally smart, they can sense when they are being lied to or when you’re withdrawing something from them. It’s not appropriate to eliminate your children’s fear but a thorough explanation should be given to assure them somehow that there is nothing to be afraid of as government authorities are trying to find ways to protect the nation’s citizenry against another horrible event. Just make sure that your children are interested about the flow of the conversation, otherwise it’s better to drop the topic. Your children may not yet want or need to discuss the event at this particular period but they will certainly bring it out sooner or later.
Parents ought to be very careful when discussing traumatic events to their children and young adults especially those with acts of terrorism such as 9/11 because you are not certain how they will interpret and react on such sensitive subject matters.

My gang will protect me, and I will feel safe.

Wrong! While you may believe that joining a gang will protect you from bullies or other gang members, being in a gang greatly increases your chances to be a target for rival gang members. You are far more likely to be injured or killed if you are in a gang. Many former gang members report that they had to change their lives dramatically as a gang member. They could no longer wear clothing they used to wear. They got into fights while attending school with rival gang members, and ended up dropping out of school. They felt unsafe going out of their neighborhoods, and they couldn’t ever be sure where they might be confronted by rivals. Even if they got out of gangs, their rivals didn’t forget them. They still had many enemies who might hurt or kill them.

Other people will respect me more if I am in a gang.

Wrong! Respect in many gangs really means fear. If you join a gang, you will constantly have to commit crimes in order to keep other gang members afraid of you. At any age, respect is something you can earn by getting an education and accomplishing goals in your life. Respect in the gang culture will go away the first time you fail to hurt someone who insults you or puts you down. That kind of respect isn’t real, and it doesn’t last.

Joining a gang means I’ll have lots of friends.

You will have friends, but you’ll also make lots of enemies–the members of rival gangs. Also, your friends who haven’t joined the gang may stop wanting to be around you. Your gang may not approve if you have friends or date people outside the gang. They may question and test your loyalty, and insist that you hang out only with them.

My gang will be just like a family.

Wrong! Real families don’t force people to commit crimes to get respect and love. Real families accept you and love you for who and what you are. Even if your family is having problems, being in a gang will not solve them–it will only make things worse. If you join a gang, your family members may become targets for rival gangs. Joining a gang will only increase the number of fights you have with your parents. You will eventually get into trouble with the law, and your parents and family members will be hurt and disappointed. You will set a bad example for your brothers and sisters. You will not find the kind of love you’re looking for from a gang.

I’ll make lots of money if I’m in a gang.

Most gang members make very little money being part of a gang. Those who do, usually end up doing time. Plus, if you’re in a gang, it’s far more likely that you’ll drop out of school because of problems with rival gang members. Getting your education is the key to making money–not joining a gang.

I can never get out of my gang.

Wrong! Gang members decide to leave the gang lifestyle every day in cities around the U.S. It is a myth that the only way to leave a gang is by dying. Most gang members who leave are able to live normal lives, going to school and working just like everyone else. However, in some cases, getting out of a gang isn’t easy, and you may have to leave your home, school or community in order to be safe. It IS easier to get into a gang than to get out of one, but you can choose to leave the gang life today. Here is one example of a man who left his gang for a better life. There are many more examples of people who have successfully walked away from gangs, as well.

The best option of all, however, is to stay out of gangs in the first place.

Getting involved in gangs is a very dangerous and often destructive activity for teens, yet it happens on a regular basis. Whether parents realize it or not, their children can be at risk to join gangs. The reasons that kids join gangs are complex and varied. Parents need to understand that prevention is an important key to controlling gang activity within our community and one of the best ways to do this is to learn the warning signs of gang involvement or membership.

The following are some of the most common signs of gang affiliation:

Changes in the child’s behavior.

Not associating with long-time friends and being secretive about new friends and activities.

Changes in hair or dress style and/or having a group of friends who have the same hair or dress style.

Changes in normal routines with new friends, such as not coming home after school or staying out late at night with no explanation.

Suspected drug use, such as alcohol, inhalants, and narcotic.

Unexplained material possessions such as expensive clothing, jewelry, money, etc.

The presence of firearms, ammunition, or other deadly weapons.

Change in attitude about school, church, or other normal activities.

Discipline problems at school, church, or other attended functions.

Lower grades at school or skipping school.

Change in behavior at home-increase in confrontational behavior, such as talking back, verbal abuse, name calling, and a disrespect for parental authority.

A new fear of police.

Phone threats to the family from rival gangs (or unknown callers) directed against your child.

Photographs of your child and others displaying gang hand signs, weapons, cash, drugs or gang-type clothing.

Graffiti on or around your residence, especially in a child’s room such as on walls, furniture, clothing, notebooks, etc. May also include drawings and “doodling” of gang-related figures, themes of violence, or gang symbolisms. When looking; over a child’s homework reports, be alert for the letters “B” or “C” to be crossed out or inverted, or these same letters being used improperly, or to replace one another, such as the word cigarette being spelled “bigarette”.

Physical signs of being in a fight, such as bruises and cuts and secrecy on the child’s part as to how they were received.

A new found sense of bravery-brags that he/she are too tough to be “messed” with.

Use of a new nickname.

A new-found sympathy or defending of gang activity by your child.

Tattoos or “branding” with gang-related symbols.

Gangs have been a part of U.S. culture since the early 19th century. Immigrant youth organized themselves into street gangs, often as a means of economic survival. But in recent years, youth gangs have evolved into more complex and more dangerous organizations that populate almost every community in the United States. According to the 2004 National Youth Gang Survey (NYGS), it is estimated that youth gangs were active in more than 2,900 jurisdictions served by city and county law enforcement agencies

The terms “youth gang” and “street gang” are often used interchangeably, but use of the latter label can result in the confusion of youth gangs with adult criminal organizations. A youth gang is commonly thought of as a self-formed association of peers having the following characteristics:

three or more members, generally ages 12 to 24.

a name and some sense of identity, generally indicated by such symbols as style of clothing, graffiti, and hand signs.

some degree of permanence and organization. Youth gangs have leaders and followers.

an elevated level of involvement in delinquent or criminal activity. Youth gangs typically engage in delinquent, criminal, and violent activities, often for financial gain.

It is important to keep in mind that most youth gangs are homegrown and that the factors which contribute to the emergence of gang activity in a community are not necessarily the same as those which contribute to its persistence.

The most common factors that are associated with the proliferation of gang activities are:

Community wide social and economic conditions, including such interrelated factors as deindustrialization, the loss of employment opportunities, and poverty, racism, and the growth of the urban underclass

Diffusion of the gang culture into the general population, particularly through the popular media

Involvement in the drug trade, most drug distribution systems are managed by adult drug cartels or syndicates and other adult criminal organizations