Violence in youth

Abstract

Violence is an important public health issue. Because of a substantial variability in the intensity and frequency of violence worldwide a socio-cultural perspective is required for the better understanding of violent behaviours. This paper describes the current status of youth violence in Japan and the USA to elucidate critical points for mental health intervention. Although the profiles of youth violence in these two countries are quite different, violent behaviours in youths, including murder, are becoming more serious problems for both countries. From the experience in the USA a dual perspective, clinical and social/community, is proposed to understand youth violence. To prevent and treat youth violence, effective mental health service systems are needed and should be community-based and easily accessible for children and adolescents and their families as considered in the ‘systems of care’ philosophy.