CDC Releases Vital Signs: Violence Impacts Teens’ Lives

[CDC’s Division of Violence Prevention]

CDC Releases Vital Signs: Violence Impacts Teens’ Lives Prevent violence. Improve lifelong health.

Today CDC released, Vital Signs: Prevalence of Multiple Forms of Violence and Increased Health Risk Behaviors and Conditions Among Youths — United States, 2019. The latest CDC Vital Signs report examines the types of violence experienced by teens age 14 to 18 years old and highlights how experiences of violence are associated with health conditions and risky behaviors. Far too commonly, teens 14 to 18 years old experience violence, often more than one type, such as physical fighting, sexual violence, dating violence, and bullying. Data from 2019 National Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) provide key insights into the violence experiences of teens aged 14 to 18: As teens experience more violence, their involvement in risky behaviors increases. Teens’ engagement in risk behaviors was up to 7 times higher among those with two types of violence and up to 21 times higher among those experiencing three or more types of violence than teens with no violence experiences. About half (44.3%) of teens experienced at least one type of violence and 1 in 7 (15.6%) of teens experienced at least two types of violence in the 12 months before the survey. Female teens are more likely than males to experience three or more types of violence, as are sexual minority teens compared to heterosexual peers. Preventing violence is key to promoting teen and adult health. Violence can affect teens’ health and increase the chance of developing cancer, heart disease, or other health problems in adulthood. Collaboration among multiple sectors can ensure the effective implementation of strategies to help youth and communities be safe and thrive.

Spread the Word

	Experiencing violence as a teen can harm development and increase the chance of health problems in adulthood. Teens, parents, families, communities, and schools all play a role in preventing violence. Learn more in Vital Signs: go.usa.gov/xAMYj

	A teen’s brain is still growing, and violence can disrupt teens’ development and harm their current and future health. We can all help young people live a life free from violence. Find your role in new @CDCgov #VitalSigns: go.usa.gov/xAMYj

Learn More

CDC’s Technical Packages for Violence Prevention

CDC’s Division of Violence Prevention

CDC’s Youth Violence Prevention

CDC’s Adverse Childhood Experiences

CDC’s Veto Violence

CDC’s Dating Matters®

CDC’s Division of Adolescent and School Health

CDC’s Adolescent Health: What Works in Schools

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