# What is teen violence? Canonical page: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/what-is-teen-violence Language: en Category: mental_health Publisher: ClinicsJo Published: 2026-09-13T08:09:53.165Z Content updated: 2026-09-13T08:09:53.165Z Translation (ar): https://clinicsjo.com/ar/faq/what-is-teen-violence Teen violence refers to harmful behaviors that can begin at an early age and continue into young adulthood. A teenager can be a victim of, perpetrator of, or witness to this violence [\[2\]](). Violence is not limited to physical harm; it also includes other forms that may cause significant emotional and psychological damage, and in some cases, can lead to serious injury or death [\[2\]](). ## Types of Teen Violence Teen violence can take multiple forms and may occur in person, online, or using modern technology [\[1\]](). Notable types include: - **Physical violence:** Involves hurting or attempting to hurt a partner by hitting, kicking, or using any other form of physical force [\[1\]](). - **Sexual violence:** Includes forcing or attempting to force a partner into sexual acts or touching without consent, including situations where the partner cannot provide consent. It also covers non-physical behaviors such as sharing sexual images or sexting without consent [\[1\]](). - **Psychological aggression:** The use of verbal and non-verbal communication with the intent to cause mental or emotional harm to a partner and exert control over them [\[1\]](). - **Stalking:** A pattern of repeated, unwanted attention and contact by a current or former partner, causing fear or safety concerns for the victim or someone close to them [\[1\]](). - **Bullying:** Repeated harmful behaviors aimed at hurting another person, which can be physical, verbal, social, or electronic [\[2\]](). - **Fighting:** Includes brawling, hitting, kicking, and slapping [\[2\]](). - **Weapon use:** Such as guns or knives [\[2\]](). ## Effects of Teen Violence Teen violence profoundly impacts health, opportunities, and lifelong well-being. Unhealthy relationships can start early and continue throughout life [\[1\]](). Teenagers who are victims of teen violence are more likely to experience: - Symptoms of depression and anxiety [\[1\]](). - Engagement in unhealthy behaviors such as tobacco, drug, and alcohol use [\[1\]](). - Exhibiting antisocial behaviors such as lying, stealing, bullying, or assault [\[1\]](). - Suicidal ideation [\[1\]](). Violence in teen relationships also paves the way for future relationship problems, including experiencing or perpetrating violence later in life. For example, teenagers who are victims of dating violence in high school are more likely to be victims during college [\[1\]](). ## Warning Signs and Teen Behaviors After Exposure to Violence It is normal for children and teenagers to show a range of reactions after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, such as acts of violence. These reactions may include: - Physical problems such as stomach aches or headaches [\[3\]](). - Nightmares or other sleep problems [\[3\]](). - Difficulty concentrating [\[3\]](). - Loss of interest in activities they usually enjoy [\[3\]](). - Feelings of guilt for not preventing injuries or deaths [\[3\]](). - Thoughts of revenge [\[3\]](). - For older children (6 years and older) and teenagers, they may face problems at school, withdraw or isolate themselves from family and friends, avoid reminders of the event, use drugs, alcohol, or tobacco, or become destructive or angry [\[3\]](). If these symptoms persist for more than a month, the family should contact a healthcare provider [\[3\]](). For more extensive information on this topic, you can visit [Teen Violence: Understanding Causes, Warning Signs, and Intervention (Arabic)](). ## Practical Steps for Dealing with Teen Violence Adults can play a crucial role in helping teenagers cope with violence. Here are some practical steps: - **Provide a safe environment:** Ensure the teenager is safe and their basic needs are met [\[3\]](). - **Allow expression of feelings:** Allow the teenager to grieve or cry, and encourage them to talk, write, or draw about the event and their feelings [\[3\]](). - **Limit exposure to repetitive news:** Reduce their exposure to repeated news reports about traumatic events [\[3\]](). - **Maintain routines:** Try to stick to daily routines such as reading bedtime stories, eating dinner together, and playing games [\[3\]](). - **Monitor behavioral changes:** Pay attention to sudden changes in behavior, speech, language use, or intense emotions [\[3\]](). - **Seek professional help:** If problems persist for more than a few weeks, especially if symptoms appear such as flashbacks, heart palpitations and sweating, irritability, emotional numbness, or severe sadness and depression, a healthcare provider should be contacted [\[3\]](). ## Medical references - [Teen Dating Violence]() - [Teen Violence]() - [Helping Children and Adolescents Cope With Traumatic Events]() General health education; not a substitute for individualized clinical assessment. Citation URL: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/what-is-teen-violence#answer