Everytown Research and Policy reports that young people in the U.S. face alarmingly high rates of gun-related deaths. Each year, 4,300 children are shot and killed, and 17,000 are wounded. That averages about 60 children daily in the U.S. Violent behavior peaks at ages 14–16 and drops sharply by age 24. Why are young teens killing their peers?
1. Many children are not learning how to follow their conscience.
I asked different people, “Why do you think young people are killing each other?” I received a variety of answers, including jealousy, low self-esteem, media influence, bullying, poverty, and the TikTok generation.
I asked a former gang member who was involved in pimping girls in high school when he was 16 years old. Now, he works to empower youth and has identified two main issues: Mental Health problems caused by Family issues and a lack of understanding of the value of life.
These symptoms point to a much larger issue. Here’s what I’ve gained from experience and 40 years as a crime and violence prevention specialist.
I learned how to survive after being abandoned at age 15 in Mexico City without knowing the language. My faith grew stronger when I worked in high-crime neighborhoods and met many people who faced complex challenges, relying on God to help them survive.
We are now living in an age of spiritual ignorance, and children are paying the price.
I observed many young people facing neglect and abuse at home. Many adults in both wealthy and low-income neighborhoods fail to teach youth to listen to their inner voice and follow their conscience for guidance. Why does this matter? Because every person is born a spiritual being with instincts that warn of danger, insights and Wisdom to distinguish right from wrong, intuition to keep us safe, and common sense to keep us grounded—so we don’t become bullies or victims. This inner sense of self helps people stay strong, resilient, and healthy. No matter what happens, if young people lack self-awareness, they may turn to anger, distrust, and social isolation, which can lead to mental Health challenges as they focus on themselves, anger, and destructive behaviors. There is no free lunch; if youth indulge in bad behavior, their conscience can convict them, and they may turn to drugs to escape who they are becoming. Without self-awareness, immature youth might seek revenge, consider suicide, or even commit murder.
If young people ignore their God-given conscience, they can be manipulated into joining a gang, a cult, or a group that directs their anger toward the community. They might become violent, destroy property, or even kill. They lose their sense of identity and adopt the violent behaviors they have seen on TV or promoted by group mentality. Every year, 400,000 youths join gangs for protection and a sense of belonging when they believe there are no other options. Families that fail to provide essential training, opportunities, and involvement to empower youth face the risk of violent consequences in the future.
2. Children need community for support, correction, and Love.
People need a community of friends to support each other’s Growth and success. When families know their neighbors, they can build trust, which helps strengthen and protect children. We learn about the many talents and resources in our community when we take the time to get to know each other. Neighbors can organize a get-together or block party. Seniors might offer to babysit or be a safe place after school. Neighbors can work together to clean up the neighborhood and share their time and tools to help with projects. A vacant lot can be transformed into a garden or a play area for children. Look around your block and use your imagination to improve life for everyone, which can help reduce social isolation and mental health issues caused by loneliness that affect Americans, especially youth.
I saw how one man changed his neighborhood in Richmond, CA. A.J. noticed that many single mothers were raising children there. He started “Christmas on the Streets” to bring neighbors together and share food and friendship. Mothers appreciated the support, and it became an annual neighborhood event. A.J. got to know all twenty-four kids on his block, and he gained the support of the residents. Together, they started “Peace on the Streets.” When we take the time to spread love, it multiplies. Today, the neighborhood children have grown up and are now returning to thank A.J. for keeping them out of trouble and gangs. The government cannot save our children, but we can save ourselves.
It is up to citizens to get involved and help create a safety net around children. Gangs would not exist if we had cohesive neighborhoods with involved citizens who are not dependent and take back their power by getting involved and making neighborhood involvement a top priority.
These two approaches are not new. Years ago, people often left their homes unlocked and felt safe walking or riding public transportation in cities. If social and spiritual issues aren’t addressed, the situation will only get worse. This country offers freedom, so the choice is yours. Politicians and the media can play a key role in encouraging community and spiritual engagement. The question is: what will you do to make that happen?
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Originally Published on https://safekidsnow.com/
