Last Updated on January 27, 2026 by Healthy Home
Learn about adolescent safety from violence and injuries, warning signs, prevention strategies, legal rights, and how parents can protect teens.
Reviewed by Public Health Expert (MPH), with experience in maternal and child health programs.
Medical Disclaimer : This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. For personalized guidance, consult a qualified healthcare provider. This article was reviewed by a Public Health Expert (MPH) with experience in maternal, infant and child health programs aligned with WHO and UNICEF frameworks.
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- Introduction to Adolescent Safety from Violence and Injuries:
- Types of Violence that impact teenagers
- Teenagers at Greater risk of Abuse
- Effects of Violence on Teenagers
- Warning sings and Indications of Abuse.
- Popular Place where Violence may occurs
- Typical Violence against boys and girls.
- How Violence Spreads
- Basic Rights of Adolescents
- Guardians and Institutions Role
- What a Parent Should Not Do When a Child Reports Maltreatment.
- FAQs:
Introduction to Adolescent Safety from Violence and Injuries:
Adolescence refers to a very important transition period between childhood and adulthood. The young people experience a high rate of physical, emotional and psychological development during this time. As adolescents are becoming more empowered, they are also more exposed to violence, abuse, neglect, exploitation and accidental injuries.
The safety of adolescents is a social issue of concern and a collective responsibility of families, schools, communities and the society. This type of protection in the formative years is also useful in averting long-term physical damage, emotional distress, school interference and social seclusion.
Types of Violence that impact teenagers
The following sections discuss sensitive topics in an educational and preventive context. Reader discretion is advised.
Emotional Violence
Emotional violence refers to intentional behaviors, which have psychological negative impacts. This can be bullying, verbal abuse, humiliation, name-calling, intimidation, and constant criticism, which cause emotional trauma in the long-term.
Sexual Harassment and Safety
Rape and sexual assault are destructive types of violence. These are unwanted sex comments, improper touch, exploitation on internet and child sex abuse of both boys and girls. These are not acceptable no matter how the victim and the offender are related to each other.
Physical Violence
Physical violence is the deliberate action that provokes physical injury. They may include hitting, pushing, corporal punishment, fights between siblings or physical punishment at home or in school.
Domestic Violence
Domestic violence is an act of aggressiveness or abuse at home. It can be physical, emotional, or sexual abuse and a prolonged impact on the psychological and physical well-being of adolescents.
Bullying and Peer Violence
Bullying is emotional or physical violence, in which one uses power in a harmful way to others. It can be done in schools, in the online, or in the community and can result in fear, isolation and low self-esteem.
Teenagers at Greater risk of Abuse
Some circumstances make people susceptible such as:
- Family strife or marital dissonance.
- Family financial pressure or chronic diseases.
- Parental lack of supervision.
- Victims of domestic violence.
- Orphans, institutionalized children and street connected children.
- Physically or mentally challenged adolescents.
Every child and teenager needs well-meaning adults who will take care of them, protect and support them emotionally.
Effects of Violence on Teenagers
Violence and injuries may have a great impact on the well-being of adolescents.
Emotional and Psychological Effect.
- Shock, fear, confusion
- Sadness, guilt, shame, anger
- Fear, desolation or emotional isolation.
- In extreme situations, self-harm or suicide.
In case a teenager develops self-harming tendencies or expresses strong emotional pain, it is necessary to provide a professional help as soon as possible.
Academic and Social Impact
- Difficulty concentrating
- Reduction in academic achievements.
- Withdrawal or aggression of social behavior.
Physical and Health Impact
- Mutilations like bruises, burns or bite marks.
- Repeat infections or pain which has no explanation.
- Eating and sleeping disorders.
- Impoverished hygiene or retarded maturation.
Warning sings and Indications of Abuse.
Behavioral Signs
- The abrupt shifts in the mood or behavior.
- Too much fear or too much aggression.
- Overly pleasing behavior
- Substance misuse
Psychological Signs
- Favoritism, depression, emotional numbness.
- Nightmares, insomnia, loss of appetite.
Physical Signs
- Unexplained injuries
- Frequent illness or fatigue
Early detection has the benefit of early intervention and support.
Popular Place where Violence may occurs
- Schools and classrooms
- On the way to school
- Homes and communities
- Plays and unattended places.
- Online media and cyberspace.
Typical Violence against boys and girls.
- Name calling, teasing, alienation.
- Hitting, pushing, kicking
- Spreading rumors or gossip
- In cyberspace or on the Internet, harassment or cyberbullying.
Emotional Effects on Boys
- Terror, anger, feeling of shame, self-worth.
Emotional Effects on Girls
- Awkward, depressed, anxious, lonely.
How Violence Spreads
Violence can be carried outside schools to the surrounding publics and even the internet. The patterns in relation to time, location, and behavior can help communities create effective ways of preventing crime and establish safer areas.
Basic Rights of Adolescents
- All teenagers are entitled to security, self esteem and respect.
- The physical, emotional, and sexual abuse are all the violations of basic rights.
- Teenagers can have a right to say No and get assistance.
- The No, Go, Tell strategy ensures that children arm themselves to defend themselves.
In Search of Support and Spend the Night.
- Talk to an adult, teacher, parent or a counselor one can trust.
- Do not accuse yourself of abuse and violence.
- Report bullying, harassment or unsafe behavior
- There are laws in place that guard children and adolescents.
Indian Violence, Injury and Legal Support
Legal protection in India has been created and it includes:
- POCSO Act (Protection of children against sexual offences).
- Childline 1098- 24/7 helpline to needy children.
- Online Abuse or Threats Cyber Crime Helpline 1930.
Risky Behaviors and Responsible Decision-Making
Adolescents are to take into consideration:
- Is the situation safe?
- Will this be detrimental to myself or other people?
- Which are the long and short-term outcomes?
Well-informed choices are useful in keeping up health, safety and trust.
Guardians and Institutions Role
Parents and Guardians Participation
- Promote open communication
- Employ good and positive discipline.
- Charity – prevent violence and discrimination.
Role of Schools and Institutions.
- Use anti-bullying regulations.
- Market mental health services.
- Provide healthy, non-discriminatory and respectful conditions.
What a Parent Should Not Do When a Child Reports Maltreatment.
- Do not panic or overreact
- Blame and shame nothing to the child.
- Do not ask questions aggressively.
- Do not address the criminal in the presence of the child.
FAQs:
The following educational video explains adolescent safety and injury prevention in simple language suitable for parents, teachers and adolescents.
https://www.youtube.com/embed/7W-MQWHHSo0?si=0qZkVZOsGmqZHYQm
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Trusted References and Research Sources:
- Staying safe in adolescence and youth (who.int)
- Youth violence (who.int)
- Adolescent safety and protection | UNICEF India
- DSpace (who.int)
- Adolescent safety and protection | UNICEF
- Violence against adolescents: prevention must cross the divide between children and women – PMC (nih.gov)
For more detail, please visit to my website as mentioned below:
About the Author – “Mr. Bibhu Ranjan Mund”, Master in Public Health (MPH) from IIHMR University, Jaipur (Rajasthan) has experience of 18 years in Public Health activities. Through “Healthy Home”, we share the evidence & experienced based health & wellness guides with solutions for every day well-being.