The Role of Fathers and Mentors in Reducing Youth Violence
Youth violence doesn’t happen overnight. It often starts with small acts—skipping school, disrespecting authority, hanging with the wrong crowd. These early choices can grow into bigger problems like gang involvement, drug use, or even serious crimes. While many programs focus on punishment after the fact, it’s time we talk more about prevention—and that begins at home and in the community.
One of the most powerful tools in preventing youth violence is the presence of a strong, caring adult figure—especially a father or a mentor. When a young person feels seen, heard, and guided, they are less likely to go down a destructive path. Boys and girls alike need someone to set boundaries, teach respect, and show love without judgment.
Fathers who are involved in their children’s lives can make a huge difference. A father doesn’t have to be perfect—he just needs to show up, listen, and be consistent. Children raised by active fathers are more likely to finish school, stay out of trouble, and build healthy relationships. Sadly, many children grow up without that support. In those cases, mentors can step in and fill the gap.
Mentors come in many forms—coaches, teachers, neighbors, community leaders, or even employers. What matters most is that they take the time to connect. Just one hour a week can change a child’s life. A mentor provides guidance, but more importantly, they show a young person that someone believes in them.
We cannot keep expecting schools or police to fix problems that start with lack of love, structure, and guidance. It takes all of us—especially the men in our communities—to step up. If more fathers were active and more mentors showed up, we could steer more kids away from violence and toward purpose.
If you’re a father, be present. If you’ve made mistakes, it’s never too late to repair your relationship. And if you’re in a position to mentor, do it. You might not change the world overnight, but you could change one child’s future—and that’s a powerful start.
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Marvin Dixon/Founder
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