Early intervention, constructive engagement, and strong and supportive environments for children and youth can prevent them from engaging in violent or criminal behavior and ensure that they live healthy, productive and fulfilling lives. The Boston Public Health Commission defines adolescent wellness as:
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Being connected to your family, friends and community
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Feeling good about yourself and directing your life
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Experiencing meaningful work and a chance to grow and develop
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Having your basic needs met and building an economically stable community
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Knowing what your purpose is and having the support to fulfill it
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Living creatively in everything you do
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Having a sense of your own spirituality and believe in yourself and your values
On the other hand, peer pressure, the need for attention or respect, a sense of low self-esteem, early childhood abuse or neglect, witnessing violence at home, in the community or in the media, and easy access to weapons are the major factors that contribute to violent behavior among youth (Youth Violence: A Report of the Surgeon General, 2001).
Youth crime is not correlated with race — rather the propensity for crime is a function of individual risk factors and the environment surrounding children and youth. Understanding young people’s attitudes, support systems, activities, and adult mentor relationships are all important in reducing youth crime and violence.
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