Studies of Youth Violence

* Re “The Truth About Crime,” Opinion, Sept 15:

While Michael A. Males raises some interesting points about the use of youth crime data to influence policy decisions, he unfortunately dismisses as myth the growing body of evidence indicating youth violence will grow at alarming rates in the near future.

Some of these indicators are reflected in studies showing 1) the rising intensity of youth violence, 2) a use of more lethal measures by youthful offenders during violent attacks, 3) increased numbers of youth who lack adult supervision for lengthening periods of time each day and 4) school officials’ concerns about violent attacks on campuses, necessitating increased utilization of security measures.

To dismiss concerns of psychologists and police officials about youth violence as merely “anecdotal evidence” is patronizing, and worse yet, naive.

THOMAS M. BATSIS

School of Education

Loyola Marymount University

* More articles of this nature and focus are needed. I have become increasingly frustrated (and irritated, I might add) with all the “child bashing” that has gained such popularity within our society.

Why do we attack our children in such a manner? The guilt felt because we are leaving them a planet in worse shape than we found it? The dysfunctional society we live in requires blaming someone else, lest we actually look at ourselves? No matter, whatever the reasons we have a long, sad history in this country of abusing children on too many different levels in far too many ways.

The very last thing they need is more violence directed at them.

HARRY HUNT

Costa Mesa