How Do Troubled Teens Form Their Attitudes About Violence?
Written by Wendy Rogers, Posted on , in Section Teens & Tweens
Actions speak louder than words. This simple truth holds faster than even the strongest of bonding agents. So how do teens form their attitudes about violence? Simple; it's what they see. Immediately you should have had ideas about violence on television and in movies, or video games, but that is not where you should focus.
Instead, imagine the typical learning establishment, a bastion of learning where your teen is safe, comfortable and looked after. Now hear the word 'Bully'. Teens form their attitudes from what they see. If a bully at school can be who he is without consequence, teens begin to believe that aggressive or violent behavior is perfectly acceptable. Teens believe in the immunity of the bully. They may be powerless while at school. When this follows the teen back home, where the bully doesn't exist, they are free to fill his role.
It is of the highest importance to ensure that your teen doesn't fall into this trap. They need to understand that everything has consequences, but that they are in full control of those consequences. Cedar Ridge Academy provides a strong therapeutic boarding school environment. With nearly twenty years of experience in dealing with aggressive behavior without violence, they can provide a safe learning experience for your teen.
What About Violence on Television? Doesn't That Have an Effect on How a Teen Views Violence?
Violence on Television or in Movies is certainly a powerful influence on developing teens. Viewing violence that is very realistic, frequently repeated, or consistently unpunished can have a severe desensitizing effect on a young person, making them more likely to imitate what they see. Parents can help to protect their teens from violence in several ways.
- Be involved with what they are watching.
- Set limits as to what and when they can watch.
- Stress that violent actions are not one of your family’s values.
- Change the channel or turn off the television when violent or offensive material comes on, with an explanation of why.
