Earlier this week, while watching the news, I was struck by two stories. Despite them taking place in different states, they were connected by one theme -- tragedy.

My heart broke as I listened to a young female student, standing at a microphone at a school board meeting, pleading for Waddell High School to be kept open: “We are already fighting for our lives; don’t make us fight for our education,” she said.

As I flipped the channel, my heart was broken even more as news of Bobby Tillman, allegedly kicked to death by three young men while attending a party, flashed across the screen.

The young Waddell student shouldn’t have to worry about the conditions of the streets. Bobby Tillman didn’t deserve to loose his life while attending a party. The three young men who allegedly killed young Bobby should not have been desensitized to the value of life.

What is happening to our young people, and why does it seem that some are planning death while living? A study conducted by the National Association for Psychologist suggests that many of today’s youth seeking to find value, appreciation and love often turn to the streets.

When you factor in statistics reported by the National Center for Non-Violence, the picture is even more dismal. Teen violence is the second-leading cause of death among 15- to 24-year-olds, and it is the leading cause of death among African Americans and Latinos between those same ages -- with males accounting for the majority of those deaths.

Because I believe knowledge is power, I think it important that we understand what some of the warning signs are, so we can begin to fight back for their lives. Psychology Journal, offers the following:

• Involvement in gangs or fighting
• Low parental involvement
• Discipline that is inconsistent, lax or too harsh
• Use of drugs or alcohol by teen or parents
• A history of violence in the home
• Emotional problems/lack of self control
• Injuring animals or people
• Lack of involvement in positive extracurricular activities
• Exposure to constant violence through media/games
• Poor performance and lack of interest in school

We cannot continue down this path! If we recognize any of these signs, we must take steps to change them. As I heard Maya Angelou say, “When you know better, you do better.” It’s time for us to do better.
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Tanya Wilson is an inspirational speaker and author living in Charlotte. Friend her on Facebook, or email her at tw360you@aol.com.
 

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