Violence, bullying, and abuse, are the "Head of The Snake" TM. They are the number one root cause of many of society's woes including mental health, social health, physical health, substance abuse, unhealthy eating, risky behaviors, and extreme poverty. Fortunately, we know how to stop it; school-based universal, comprehensive violence prevention education "+" for youth. We must reach all 1.8 billion youth between the ages of 10 and 24 biennially.
Violence is the second leading cause of death in boys aged 10-19 years. Some 200,000 homicides occur among youth 10-29 years of age each year, which is 43% of the total number of homicides globally each year. The disproportionate impact of homicide on youth is a consistent pattern across all levels of country income. It is however much more pronounced in low- and upper-middle-income countries. Most of the world's most violent conflicts occur in countries with the most youthful populations.
Universal school-based programs decrease rates of violence and aggressive behavior among school-aged children. Program effects were demonstrated at all grade levels (CDC). Education and life skills (e.g. providing children with life and social skills training, including the skills to manage emotions, maintain self-control, empathize with others and express themselves assertively) Evidence-Based Measures. (World Health Organization). Less than 1 in 5 countries teach peace education (UNESCO).
How much does violence really cost our global economy? Conflict costs us $13.6 trillion a year. And we spend next to nothing on peace." (World Economic Forum, January 2018). This represents 17 percent of the world's economy. Violence mainly impacts young, economically productive people. Homicide and suicide are heavy contributors to global death rates among men aged 15-44 years. For every young person killed by violence, an estimated 20-40 receive injuries that require hospital treatment.
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
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