Teen Violence

The Opposing Viewpoints series is a good series for students and others who are working on some of the hot button issues of today. Each volume contains essays and articles that explore the issues thoroughly from several different angles. Sometimes there are two clear sides, but sometimes it is a bit more nuanced. This particular volume deals with Teen Violence, an issue that is in the press frequently today. The issues explored within the volume the seriousness of the problem, both in terms of numbers and statistics and in terms of the social importance. There are essays that look at the causes, including family breakdown situations and media influence, both in the pro and con sides. Finally, there is a chapter on different ideas of reducing teen violence, which look at both side of the issue of incarceration, curfews, antiloitering laws, punishment, and prevention possibilities. Overall, this is a very good beginners book to the issue. It helps to set the guidelines for debate and discussion. There is an appendix with related documents, facts about teen violence, and further reading. The author, Scott Barbour, is working on his master's degree in social work, and has experience with this issue firsthand.