A large portion of sociological theories comes from statistics collected from the societies or the society that is being studied. This helps make conclusions about changes or patterns so we can get a better idea of how society functions the way it does, what we should change, and how to go about changing things. A major issue in the United States is violence, especially youth violence. Many statistics have been collected and hopefully they will help to change society for the better. .
The United States has the highest firearm death rate among 15-24 years olds compared with selected nations with similar S.E.S. profiles. This tells us that we need stricter gun control policies by law and in the home. The government needs to make stricter laws about buying and selling guns. Also, people need to lock up their guns, keep their safeties on, and educate people about guns at an early age. Recent suburban and rural school shootings are atypical. Schools should recognize students that are having problems and try to help any way they can. Schools should be aware and prepared and some should take higher security measures. The sooner these problems are recognized and vilified, the safer our schools will be. .
Childhood aggression is important because of the harm it inflicts and because it predicts later anti social behavior, delinquency, and the escalation of violent behavior. The pattern is often evident by age eight or nine. These symptoms must be treated as early as they have been detected to prevent them from becoming more serious. Schools and parents must be on the watch for aggression and talk to a doctor or guidance counselor to help end the behavior quickly. Risk factors associated related to the child's home environment often influence school aggression. Interventions in the home are necessary. Schools and other parts of the community need to help recognize problems in the home and if they witness any violence or other serious problems, should act.
