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If you see a bad situation getting worse, or people getting aggressive, take steps early to help stop things escalating. Separate the people involved or get help. Remember to not put yourself other others in an unsafe situation.

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Sometimes, getting help early, talking to someone, or getting involved in programs can make a huge difference in reducing the risk of violence.

Below are some links to websites and resources that you might find useful.

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The NSW Government has looked at and done a bunch of research to try and figure out why teens commit violence.

They've narrowed it down to some risk factors which put teenagers at a higher risk of committing both crime and violence.

Those risk factors are:

Anti-social attitudes;

Anti-social peers;

Anti-social personality patterns;

Problematic home environment;

Problems and lack of achievement at school/work;

Problematic leisure and recreational activities and;

Substance abuse.

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Your safety comes first. If ever you feel as though you are in danger of being hurt, get to a safe place where you can get help easily.

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Make it clear that you don't think violence is a good or cool thing. Teens react to what other teens say or do; make sure you don't encourage violence by telling people you like it or think it's a good thing.

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Headspace is an organisation that works with young people to provide support at a crucial time in their lives – to help get them back on track and strengthen their ability to manage their mental health in the future.

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headspace National Youth Mental Health Foundation

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headspace is here for you. Whether you need information or someone to talk to - we'll connect you with expert support for your mental health and wellbeing.

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Kids Helpline is a counselling service specifically for young people. For some young people, connecting with Kids Helpline has been a life-saving experience, while for others it’s about practical help and emotional support at the critical moment they need someone to listen.

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Check out information and advice on common issues affecting teenagers. If you need someone to talk to, call our 24 hr, 7 days a week support line 1800 55 1800.

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Youth on Track is an early intervention scheme developed by the NSW Government for 10–17 year-olds that identifies and responds to young people at risk of long-term involvement in the criminal justice system.

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PCYC works to provide young people with a safe and positive alternative to the streets.
Working with Police and community to empower young people to reach their potential.

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Australia's pre-eminent youth organisation working with Police and community to empower young people to reach their potential.

Our Mission
We get young people active in life. We work with young people to develop their skills, character and leadership. We reduce and prevent crime by and against young people.
PCYC was established in 1937 by Police Commissioner William John MacKay. It was a partnership forged with the community via Rotary to provide young people with a safe and positive alternative. Over 80 years later that vision has grown and now operates in 64 sport and recreational locations across NSW and is one of Australia's leading youth-focused organisations.

Find a club now

Find out about events, media coverage and good news stories of PCYC NSW

A charity empowering young people through Police and community partnerships

Find a Club

Clubs Near You

Find a Club

Clubs Near You

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Empowering Young People to Reach Their Potential | PCYC

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Australia's pre-eminent youth organisation working with Police and community to empower young people to reach their potential. We get young people active in life. We work with young people to develop their skills, character and leadership. We reduce and prevent crime by and against young people.

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YMCA NSW Youth Programs aim to empower young people in various areas of their lives. We focus on physical and mental wellbeing, life skills, advocacy and building resilience.

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We believe in the power of inspired young people. YMCA NSW Youth Programs aim to empower young people in various areas of their lives. We focus on physical and mental wellbeing, life skills, advocacy and building resilience.

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What you do and say matters. If you're mean to someone, chances are, they'll go be mean to someone else because you you. Remember that your actions and words matter to people.

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Other research has found other risk factors associated with the potential for teen violence.

Below are some of the most relevant risks factors which you might encounter.

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Because each person is different, teens commit violence for a range of different reasons; high school is hard and teenagers are going through a bunch of different changes which can sometimes make violence seem like the best or only option.

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Boys are more likely to commit or be the victims of violence during their teenage years.

But girls are still at risk of being victims and committing violence.

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Police and social commentators have blamed the use of social media and video recordings for increasing rates of teen violence.

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Mental health problems like depression and stress can cause the risk of violence to increase in teens.

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Using drugs or alcohol as a teenager can have a significant negative impact on the developing brain.

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Many teens see their partner’s possessiveness and violent behaviour as a sign of love.

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The NSW Government has found different things in a teenagers life which can help reduce the risk of them committing crime and violence; they call these protective factors.

These protective factors are:

Pro-social behaviour (such as empathy or sympathy);

Good academic performance (doing well at school)

Supportive, interested parents or carers;

Participation in community activities;

Good social skills and life and;

Well developed problem-solving skills.

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Other research has found other protective factors associated with the potential for teen violence.

Below are some of the most relevant protective factors which can help you manage the risks for violence you might face.

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If you feel like you are struggling to control your anger or that you want to become violent to others, get help early. There are programs and people that can help you learn to manage your anger. Check out your school for counselling services and your local area for programs you can get involved in.

There's no shame in asking for help. Even talking to someone you know can help you understand and manage your feelings.

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If an argument becomes very heated, take a deep breath, hold it for a few seconds and then exhale. Repeat five times. This technique is very useful in intense situations especially if you feel you are becoming aggressive.

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Remember that your own behaviour can improve or worsen an aggressive situation.  Try to maintain a calm and peaceful presence. If an argument feels out of control, you can also try explaining to them that you are going to walk away. Remember that your safety comes first.

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Give the other person space; don't stay in a bad situation, once they have calmed down, you may want to talk to them about what has happened but you are not obligated to stay in an unsafe situation.

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Don't surround yourself with friends who drag you down or act aggressive or violent towards you.

Good friends should lift you up and support you.

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Take notice of signs of abuse and violence in your relationship. Does your boyfriend or girlfriend:

Use aggressive behaviour in other areas of their life (punches holes in walls, gets into fights)?

Hit, kick, push, shove, punch, slap, hold you down, treat you roughly?

Blame you for bringing out the worst in them, convince you it’s all your fault, blame you for how they feel or act?

Have an explosive temper or dual personality?

Use intimidation or threats to get their way?

Threaten to hurt you or somebody you care about?

Break things or throw stuff at you?

Have a history of abuse in their family?

Call you names and use verbal abuse to scare you?

If you said yes to any of these, be aware of the risk of further violence and make the choice and do what you can to put your safety first.

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Don't ever film other teens who are about to or currently fighting. This encourages violence as many teens feel more pressure to commit violence once cameras are rolling.

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Using drugs like alcohol, cigarettes, or marijuana can cause serious harm to your brain. This damage can cause you to become less in control and more violent.

Remember it is a crime to consume alcohol or smoke under the age of 18 and to use marijuana at any age. Try and avoid situations where you'll be pressured to drink and don't feel bad for saying no to drinking or smoking. Remember, your safety comes first.

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School is rough. But staying at school has been found to be one of the best ways to lessen the risk of violence in teens.

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Get a good friend group around you. Find friends that understand you and don't encourage bad behaviour or violence.

Good friends should support and encourage you; not drag you down.

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Keep an eye on one another. If you think a friend might be at risk of becoming a victim of violence, or might commit violence, talk to them. You might need to speak to an adult about it to get them extra help.

Remember that you're all in this together.

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Remember that physical violence is classed as assault by the police which means it is a crime.

There are always other options, violence is never the answer.