Facts for Teens

Physical fighting among teenagers is a serious problem in the US

According to a 1999 survey, each year:

• More than 1 in 3 students were in a physical fight
• About 1 in 9 of those who fought had been hurt badly enough to need medical treatment

Physical fights typically involve 2 or more teens who have chosen to use physical force to resolve a conflict or argument.

Fortunately, increasing numbers of teenagers are learning that while disagreements are inevitable, there are more effective ways to resolve conflicts and keep the peace.

When junior and senior high students around the nation were asked to identify the causes of the most recent fights they had witnessed, the most frequent responses were...

Why do some teens fight?

• someone was insulted or treated disrespectfully (54%)
• an ongoing feud or disagreement (44%)
• someone was hit, pushed, shoved, or bumped (42%)
• someone was spreading rumors or gossip (40%)
• someone could not control anger (39%)

Why do some teens fight?

• other people were watching or encouraging the fight (34%)
• the fight involved students who like to fight (26%)
• someone didn't want to look like a loser (21%)
• started as an argument over a boyfriend or girlfriend (19%)
• need to maintain reputation (17%)

Some teens are much more likely to get into fights than others:
* male teens are more likely to fight than females
* younger teens are more likely to fight than older teens
* teens who use alcohol and drugs and steroids are more likely to fight

Teens who fight often put themselves at risk in other ways

Over half the teens who fight also participate in behaviors that can put them or those around them at risk for harm, ex. illegal drugs, binge drinking, carrying weapons, and having unsafe sex.

Of youth who reported fighting in past month:

• 45% had unsafe sex in the last 3 months
• 39% had driven a car while drunk or high in the last month
• 26% had illegally carried a gun in the last month
• 24% attempted suicide during the past 12 months
• 13% used cocaine in the last month

Teens who are frequently involved in fights often don't know how to control their anger and prevent or avoid conflicts. They often believe that fighting is the only acceptable solution.

What You Can Do

What You Can Do...

• Research ways to resolve arguments and fights peacefully, and encourage your friends to do the same
• Figure out what triggers your anger and a method to control anger when triggered
• Before a fight, think about what the consequences of different actions will be: anger and violence vs. walking away or compromise

What You Can Do...

• When in conflict, show respect for your opponent's rights and feelings - even if you don't agree with them.
• If you feel intensely angry, fearful, or anxious, talk about it with an adult you trust.

What You Are Expected to Do...

• Lead by Example: never physically or verbally harm, bully, tease or intimidate.
• Be a "Positive Bystander": when you see a fight starting, don't watch or cheer others on. Leave the scene and get an adult.
• Work with Others: instead of stirring up drama, help your others work things out to find a peaceful resolution.

What You Are Expected to Do...

• If you hear someone talk about fighting...REPORT IT!
• If you hear someone threaten to fight someone...REPORT IT!
• If you see a fight, don't stand and watch...RUN TO GET AN ADULT!

SHJH: a School for Good Human Beings