Teen Violence

American teens think violence and crime are serious national problems, yet most believe they are safe. Almost three-fourths of U.S. teens are afraid of violent crime among their peers. For some, the fear is justified. But for most, the threat may be more perception than reality. In 1994, 74 percent of junior high and high school students said teenage violence and crime is a "major problem," according to a study of 502 students by Roper Starch Worldwide. …

…of being both victims and perpetrators of murder than are younger teens. About 3,100 teens aged 15 to 19 were murdered in 1993, compared with fewer than 400 aged 10 to 14. And 18 percent of all murderers were teens aged 15 to 19, compared with 1 percent aged 10 to 14. Gang and drug-related violence has turned some urban neighborhoods into war zones for teens. Today, 13 percent of all murder victims are under age 18. But in other areas, crime is more of a fear than a problem.