Description: | During the last few years the United States has seen many of its youngsters (our most valuable resource) murdered by other youngsters while at school.
- On January 18, 1993 in Grayson, Kentucky, 17-year-old Scott Pennington shot and killed teacher Deanna McDavid and custodian Marvin Hicks at East Carter High School.
- On May 21, 1998 in Springfield, Oregon, 15-year-old Kip Kinkel opened fire with a .22 caliber rifle at Thurston Senior High School, killing 2 students. He then went home and killed both his parents.
- On May 26, 2000 in Lake Worth, Florida, 13-year-old Nate Brazill killed his teacher Barry Grunow at Lake Worth Middle School.
- On October 17, 2006 in Fort Bend County, Texas, 16-year-old Michael Priest committed suicide outside Seven Lakes High School.
These incidents barely scratch the surface of the rate of murder among our youth. The goal of this study is to look at these and other types of violent juvenile behavior and critically examine the issue.
Aspects of adolescent biological and psychological development will be presented. Specifically, we will examine issues dealing with hyperactivity, childhood psychotic disorders, medical problems, neuropsychiatric conditions, attachment disorders, abuse (physical, sexual and emotional) and neglect. We will explore these aspects and issues, applying them to further understanding delinquency. Case studies and psychological treatment methodologies will be considered. |