Question

factors in teen violence
main idea a variety of factors influences teens toward violence.
s one teens use violence to get respect from their peers. others use it to show their independence. some use it when they feel they are being controlled and think it is their only choice.
most teens do not engage in violence.
many teens who engage in violence have similar risk factors. often, teens who use violence have seen violence at home. teens who commit violence may not have learned to deal with feelings such as anger in healthful ways. they may engage in risk behaviors.
however, most teens do not engage in violence. teens who are aware of the risk factors may be able to avoid violent behavior. other factors that may contribute to violence include prejudice, peer pressure, media influence, gangs, drugs, and weapons.

• prejudice prejudice is an unfair negative opinion of a group of people. prejudice can lead to hate crimes. a hate crime is an illegal act that targets a member of a particular group of people.
• peer pressure peer pressure from others may cause a teen to go against his or her personal values. in some cases, a group might pressure a teen into committing a violent act.
• media influence studies show that by age 18, teens will see thousands of violent acts on tv. violence is also a common theme in movies, music, and video games. research shows a link between media influences and teen violence.
• drugs studies show that teens who use drugs are more likely to engage in acts of violence. drugs and alcohol affect your judgment and your ability to make healthful decisions.
• gangs some teens join a gang to gain a sense of belonging, for protection, or because a family member or friend has joined. a gang is a group of people who come together to take part in illegal activities. gang members may carry weapons, sell drugs, and commit acts of violence.
• weapons in a recent survey, 17 percent of teens admitted to carrying a gun or other weapon at some point. statistics show that people who carry guns are more likely to be injured as a result of gun violence.

reading check
explain what is the relationship between gangs, weapons, and drugs?
lesson 1 understanding violence 1

Explanation:

Playing violent video games can desensitize teens to violence. Repeated exposure to virtual violent acts in video games may make teens view real - life violence as more normal or acceptable. It can also affect their emotional response to violent situations, reducing empathy and increasing the likelihood of aggressive thoughts and behaviors.

Answer:

Playing violent video games can desensitize teens to violence, make them view real - life violence as more normal, affect their emotional response (reducing empathy), and increase the likelihood of aggressive thoughts and behaviors.