What is the recommended approach to handle youth exhibiting violent behavior?

Using de-escalation techniques is the recommended approach to handle youth exhibiting violent behavior because these methods focus on reducing tension and promoting a calming atmosphere. De-escalation techniques are structured interventions aimed at preventing a situation from worsening and helping the youth regain self-control. This approach emphasizes communication and empathy, providing the youth with an opportunity to express their feelings and resolve conflicts without resorting to further aggression.

Engaging in de-escalation not only helps to safeguard the safety of everyone involved, including the youth themselves but also promotes a therapeutic environment for addressing the underlying issues contributing to their violent behavior. It's a proactive strategy that can reduce the likelihood of future incidents by teaching youth more constructive ways to cope with their emotions.

In contrast, ignoring the behavior ignores the seriousness of the situation and can allow it to escalate further without intervention. Calling law enforcement may be necessary in extreme situations, but it can escalate the situation or create distrust between the youth and authority figures. Providing rewards for good behavior might encourage positive actions but doesn't directly address the immediate violent behavior, which is critical to manage effectively when it arises.