So many teens experience violence at schools.  From fist fights to actual shootings, 63% of youths fear they may die a violent death.  Nine out of 10 murders are committed by youth.  And, each day over 5,000 teenagers are victims of violent crimes.  Stop the insanity of violence!

Many teens instigate and follow through on violent crimes against other teens.  Juvenile detention centers are filled with teen boys and girls who have committed a violent act.  Some teens have been abused which leads them to acts of violence while others come from poverty.  Abuse breeds abuse that's how it is.  Living in deplorable conditions takes a toll on ones psyche.  If you don't have good role models, you may feel that you can never escape your conditions.  This is not true.  You can escape your current conditions if that's what you truly desire.

The world has changed which means being a teenager has changed.  Back in the day, you couldn't get away with much because the neighbors would tell your parents what you did.  Then you'd have to face the wrath of your parents.  Today, role models for teens are few and far between because people are caught up within their own lives.  They have their own families to take care of, and they forget about the teens who may not have a stable or secure environment.  Plus, government cut backs means not-for-profit organizations receive less money which means they may have to close youth centers.  This means teenagers are looking after themselves which is not a good idea.

Teens, you also learn about violence from the media.  Your video games, movies, and television programs are filled with violent acts which could plant seeds in your head.  Violent programs breed fear which could lead you to do something you'll regret.  Personally, I believe violence is a choice.  If you have mental health issues then a violent movie could lead you to commit an act of violence.  However, if you don't have mental health issues and fully understand right from wrong then there's no excuse for violence.

Teens stop being violent towards one another.  Life is meant to be joyous and happy not full of anger and rage.  If you experience these emotions on a daily basis, ask for help and learn how to channel them into something that is positive.  Don't succumb to violence because you could throw your future away in an instant.  Does jail sound like fun?  What about getting a life sentence?  Take an active interest in your life.  Seek out people who can help you turn your life around so you'll have a better tomorrow and future.  Stop the violence today!

Every 18 seconds someone is abused.  Teens dealing with domestic violence get help.  No one has the right to abuse you, not even your parents.  It may be scary to tell someone about what is going on at home, but the sooner you do the better.

Domestic violence happens for numerous reasons.  Sometimes parents were abused as children.  If they don't receive counseling or deal with the abuse, they're more than likely to be abusers.  Remember, nine times out of ten, parents raise their children based on they were raised. 

Teens, you don't have to deal with domestic violence on your own.  Tell your grandparents, teacher, guidance counselor, minister, or whomever you trust.  Get help today so tomorrow you can live a better life.

Domestic Violence can happen anywhere, at any time.  It does not discriminate.  If you're in a domestic violence situation, get help today.  Call the Domestic Violence hotline at 1.800.799.SAFE (7233) or 1.800.787.3224 (TTY).

Why does domestic violence occur?  Some parents can't handle the pressures of life and they snap.  Others were abused as children or witnessed their mom or dad being abused.  It's a vicious cycle that will repeat itself if it's not dealt with in the proper manner.

Teens if you're involved in a domestic violence situation get help today because your life depends on it.  No one deserves to be in this situation.  Remember that it's NOT your fault.  Have the courage to speak up and don't lie about your situation because that will make matters worse.  Get the support you need so you can live a happy and healthy life now and in the future.

If you're a fan of soap operas like General Hospital, MTV shows like Real World and Jersey Shore, or the CW's Gossip Girl and Beverly Hills 90210 then you've probably watched episodes where a teen was in an abusive relationship. Unfortunately, it's usually a teen girl who's in the relationship.  Luckily, the actress walks away at the end of the day.  In real life the outcome can be deadly.

No one has to suffer from abuse -- it's not love.  Most teen girls stay in abusive relationships because they have low self-esteem and self-confidence.  They believe no other guy will want to date them.  This is psychological bullsh** and a bully tactic.  Avoid falling for it at all cost!

Some teen girls mirror what they see at home.  If mom's in a horrible relationship, you may believe that's the way relationships work.  Teen boys and girls who see parents beat each other up receive the impression that this is the way relationships are.  You are dead wrong!  If you love someone, you would not beat or hit them.  If you lose control, you can end up doing serious damage, not to mention jail time!

Any guy who tells you "he's sorry or it won't happen again" is lying.  Any girl who tells you "she's sorry or it won't happen again" is lying.  Of course, it's going to happen again.  The only way to prevent abuse is to runaway as fast as you can. 

Being in a relationship is not worth it if your boyfriend or girlfriend has major issues.  The only way a person can change is if he or she wants to and seeks professional help.  Chances are an abuser was or is abused.  That's usually how it happens.

Teen girls and boys respect you.  By allowing someone to abuse you sends the message "it's all right, I deserve this because I'm not worthy of love."  This is so untrue.  Everyone deserves love and to be treated with respect.  But you must love and respect yourself first before anyone else will.

The worst mistake is to say you deserve the abuse.  Many teen girls fall into this trap.  They make excuses for their boyfriends such as "he told me he was in a bad mood or I spoke to another guy whom I know he doesn't like."  First of all, who cares if he's in a bad mood?  Second of all, you're a teen; you can speak to whomever you'd like.  Who says you can't speak to other guys?  Any guy who tells you not to speak to other guys has control and possession issues.  These can be dangerous.  It's best to end the relationship before it gets out of hand.

Teen girls and boys don't be in a hurry to grow up!  There isn't a rule that says you must date or be exclusive with one person.  This doesn't mean to be promiscuous, it means you have options.  Take your time to get to know someone before you become exclusive.  In fact, get to know yourself first before you begin dating.  Write down the qualities you'd like in boyfriend or girlfriend.  You'll need to become that person before you'll attract him or her into your life.  Take your time because the teens years go by fast -- enjoy them while you can!

Many children in the U.S. and around the world are abused each day.  Unfortunately, abused children often grow up to be abusers or perpetrators of crimes.  Jails and prisons are filled with inmates who have been victims of child abuse.  The psychological effects of child abuse can be damaging.  Some believe that the effects cannot be reversed.  Through counseling, a teen can learn coping skills to deal with anger and pain.

Types of Child Abuse

Emotional, neglect, physical, and sexual are the major types of child abuse.  Emotional abuse includes parents who constantly swear at their teens or tell them how worthless they are.  You are blamed for everything that is wrong in your parents lives.  Neglect means your basic needs of food, water, shelter, and clothing are not being met.  You may not receive medical attention and suffer from poor hygiene.  Love is also absent.  Physical abuse includes hitting, biting, hair pulling, punching, kicking, shaking, burns, or other unexplained injuries.  Sexual abuse means you are touched inappropriately by family, friends, teachers, or other adults.  You have a well developed knowledge of sexual issues at a very early age.

Psychological effects of child abuse include but are not limited to the following:

1.  Low self esteem
2.  Anger
3.  Timid -- uncertainty
4.  Using drugs and or alcohol
5.  No interests
6.  Aggressive and hostile behavior
7.  No interest in school; poor performance
8.  Experience difficult relationships with peers or the opposite sex
9.  No goals
10.  A sense of hopelessness
11.  Concentration problems
12.  Panic attacks
13.  Eating disorders

Organizations such as Prevent Child Abuse America has been focusing on child abuse since 1972.   According to their website, "...they provide education and inspire hope to everyone involved in the effort to prevent abuse and neglect of America's children."  To address the psychological effects of child abuse, you may want to contact the organization.

The National Child Abuse Hotline is 1-800-4-A-CHILD.  Childhelp is celebrating their 50th Anniversary in 2009.  They have programs such as prevention, outreach, hotline, advocacy centers, group home, foster care, and much more.  If you or someone you know is being abused, tell them about Childhelp.  They can address the psychological effects of child abuse and help save teens who are in pain right now.

How to Handle the Psychological effects of Child Abuse

Abused children need good care and emotional support from family; they should not feel lonely or helpless.  A parent can create an environment that is safe and supportive.  Consulting with a psychiatrist and or counselor can help you and your child deal with the psychological effects of child abuse.

Children are precious.  They are the future and require love, care, and attention.  Allow them to grow up within a positive, loving, and secure environment.  Having a positive outlook can ensure child abuse will no longer be an issue.  Please, help put an end to child abuse today!

Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry are promoting the new film Precious.  Here's an excerpt from Wikipedia:  "Overweight, illiterate teenager Clareece "Precious" Jones (Gabourey Sidibe) lives in Harlem with her dysfunctional family; she has been impregnated twice by her father and is in a destructive relationship with her mother (Mo'Nique).  Precious is invited to an alternative school where she hopes that her life can change direction."

Many teens suffer from abuse and neglect in the U.S. and around the world.  The story of Precious is sad but true.  It's almost art is imitating life because many teens can relate to Precious in more ways than one.

You can stop the cycle of abuse by asking for help.  No, it may not be easy and take a lot of courage but you can do it.  When you're given the chance or a helping hand, grab it and don't let go!  Hold on with all of your might and allow people to help pull you out of the "muck" that is keeping you stuck.  To quote a line from the song Second Chance by Shinedown "...sometimes goodbye is a second change.

When you're given the opportunity to break free of your situation, take it.  You may be scared of the unknown or what you're family and friends think, but you owe it to yourself to live a life filled with peace and happiness.  You matter always remember that.

If you are in an abusive situation or know someone that is get help today.  It may not be easy to ask for help but you have your entire life in front of you.  Don't let the shadow of your dysfunctional family stand in your way.  Get out now because your future depends on it!

Growing up with alcoholism can be frightening, stressful, and just plain awful.  It's worse if both parents are alcoholics.  If there is mental, emotional, and physical abuse "mixed-in" with the alcoholism, it only makes life worse.  Alcoholism takes a toll on you mentally, emotionally, and physically.  The good news is that you have the POWER to make a change.  You can do this by seeking help.  Reach out to someone, and they will reach back!

When a parent or both parents drink, life seems to spin out of control.  The alcoholic parent can lash out with a punch or even worse, hurtful words.  Words HIT HARDER than a punch to the face.  These scars run deep and can be lasting unlike a bruised cheek or split lip that will eventually heal and may not leave a physical scar.

Alcoholism:  is drinking alcoholic beverages at a level that interferes with physical health, mental health, and social, family, or job responsibilities.  Read more at Google Health.

It's not your fault that one or both of your parents are alcoholics.  It's considered a disease or DIS-EASE by many experts.  Your mom or dad has a choice.  They can stay an alcoholic or get help.  You may feel that you don't have a choice, but you do.  You can tell a close friend, family member, or teacher about what is going on within your family.  This may not be easy at first for many reasons:  you're embarrassed, you feel it's your fault, you're afraid you'll be taken away from your family, or you're afraid of the repercussions that will happen.  The KEY and GOAL is to get your parent(s) help and to help you as well.

It's said that most children would rather be from a broken home than be in one.  Being in a dysfunctional family seems to be the norm today.  Being from a family of alcoholics is not that uncommon either.  Remember, everyone (including your mom or dad) makes choices; therefore, they are RESPONSIBLE for the choices in their life.

Organizations That Can Help You

1. Alcoholics Anonymous.  This organization was formed in 1935 by Bill Wilson, a man that ruined a promising career with alcohol and Dr. Bob Smith, a member of the Oxford Group. 
2. Al-Anon / Alateen.  Organization that offers 'strength and hope" to those who are dealing with family or friends that are alcoholics.
3. WebMD.  5 Alcoholic Types in Alcoholism.
   

If you're a teen living with alcoholism, get help.  Did you know that "one-third of Alateen members received some kind of medical, emotional, or spiritual care BEFORE coming to Alateen?  Did you know that most new Alateen members are most like to say treatment, counseling, or therapy was important BEFORE attending Alateen? (statistics are from Alateen's website).

You are important.  It's up to you to TAKE CARE of you!  Your mom or dad made the decision to be an alcoholic and they can make the decision to stop.  There's no reason that you 1) have to follow in their footsteps, 2) blame yourself, and 3) suffer any longer.  Remember, it's NOT your fault.  You are loved and important.  Make the decision to receive counseling/therapy.  There's nothing wrong with this.  If you do, you'll be able to live a happy, healthy, and fulfilled life!