Ronald D. Stephens

Numerous factors contribute to youth violence, Ronald D. Stephens argues in the following viewpoint. Stephens asserts that youths that were victimized or neglected are more likely to turn to violence. In addition, he contends that the use of alcohol and drugs, involvement in a gang, and the easy availability of guns can also cause violence among juveniles. Stephens is the executive director of the National School Safety Center.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. What percentage of bullies had previously been victimized by another person, according to statistics cited by the author?
2. How does Stephens define social skills deficit disorder?
3. In Stephens’s opinion, what is the most effective strategy in preventing youth violence"

Understanding youth violence is a complex issue which is affected by a wide variety of social, economic, political and...