Navigating Youth Violence after a Local Tragedy

By Justin Smith, M.D. aka The Doc Smitty

I’ve been heartbroken this week.

There was a stabbing at a high school track meet not far from here. A place where teens should be running races, cheering for friends, and making memories turned into a crime scene.

At the same time, the Netflix show Adolescence is blowing up, and for good reason. It’s raw and real. It doesn’t shy away from the messiness of being a teen today—loneliness, peer pressure, violence, and the constant pull of social media.

As a pediatrician, I’m seeing more families asking questions about youth violence. It’s easy to feel helpless—but you’re not.

How to stay engaged and help your teen avoid violent behavior:
1. Stay curious. Ask about the show your teen is watching. Watch it with them. Talk about what’s real and what’s not.
2. Stay connected. Eat together when you can. Car rides are golden—no phones, just you and them.
3. Stay safe. Ask how your teen’s school is handling conflict and safety, and advocate if something feels off.
4. Stay consistent. Teens need boundaries just as much as love—even when they act like they don’t.

How to help your child avoid becoming a victim of youth violence:
1. Know their circle. Ask who they hang out with and where they spend time. This isn’t being nosy—it’s being wise.
2. Teach exit strategies. “If things feel off, it’s okay to leave.” Give them permission and a plan.
3. Model confidence. Help them practice setting boundaries and speaking up, even with friends.
4. Watch for red flags. Sudden withdrawal, anxiety about school, or unexplained injuries should always be taken seriously.
5. Don’t ignore gut feelings. If your teen seems off, trust your instinct and start the conversation.

Being a teen is hard. Parenting a teen can feel even harder. But you don’t have to do it alone.

We can’t bubble-wrap the world. But we can equip our kids to walk through it safely.

Resources

Cook Children's Health Care System shares these resources for families.

How to cope with traumatic stress

How to help children and teens manage their stress

How to Help Children Cope With Trauma - Child Mind Institute

Acute Stress Disorder in Children: A Quick Guide

The national suicide/crisis hotline (call, text, or chat options): 988 Lifeline