Often parents and o thers are aware that a young person is troubled. There is help. The important thing is to talk about the situation with the teen and, if available, with appropriate professionals. The federal National Youth Violence Resource Center gives teens and their parents as well as professionals a single point of access to a wide array of federal and other programs that address the public health problem of youth violence. A Guide for Parents .
Teens can talk to a responsible adult right away.
Employers can make Employee Assistance Services available to employees and their families. Teachers, clergy and others can alert parents and provide referrals to qualified adolescent counselors. Its important to support parents with programs like home visitation that can give parents important information and psychological support to help relieve the stress of being a parent. Our schools can support students by teaching proactive but peaceful conflict resolution. We must encourage environments intolerant of violence and bullying.