Health Tip: Recognize Youth Violence

(HealthDay News) — The upcoming school year casts a spotlight over the longstanding problem of youth violence, most commonly bullying. Its effects can last well into adulthood.

Parents should keep a watchful eye out for the potential symptoms of youth violence, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says.

The agency offers this list of possible warning signs that a child is a victim, perpetrator or both:

  • Avoiding school
  • Social withdrawal
  • Falling grades
  • Feelings of helplessness or hopelessness
  • Unexplained bruises, cuts and scrapes
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Disregard for others
  • Excessive boasting