MANHATTAN, Kan. – Kids ages 12 to 19 are most susceptible to youth violence, but the time to prevent violent behavior is during early childhood, according to a Kansas State University human development specialist.

Children that experienced a personal, caring relationship with an adult before age 6 are less likely to be violent in teen years, said Chuck Smith, who is with K-State Research and Extension. Smith said a healthy relationship at that age can help children care about others and deal with anger.

"A child who experiences nurturing learns how to solve conflict without using violence," he said. "Someone who cares about others won’t want to inflict hurt on them, and you don’t care for others unless you feel like you have been cared for."

Smith said that in a caring home a child often does not want to disappoint the nurturing parent, which leads the child to behave more appropriately. A home life that teaches children how to deal with anger in a healthy way also helps prevent violence.

"Violence is based on powerlessness and ignorance. Often the person who is violent feels that there is no other way to deal with the anger," he said. "If a child feels smart and powerful – a feeling nurtured in babies – then he or she can often find alternative ways to deal with the anger."

While a healthy home life reduces the likelihood of violent behavior, it is possible that even the most cared for and loved people can behave violently, because situational factors are so strong.

"Basically, support from parents can, in a way, innoculate the child for violent behavior. However, a negative situation can overwhelm the strength given to the child by the parent," Smith said. "A good home only goes so far."

Smith said violence prevention programs need to address more than one age group and more than one audience. While anti-violence programs aimed at high-school-aged youth help eliminate some of the negative situational factors, the most effective programs address violence prevention at early ages and in the home, according to Smith.

"We can spend millions of dollars in ‘band-aid programs’ for youth violence problems, but band-aids only work for people with tiny wounds. Deep, psychologically-open wounds can’t be healed with a band-aid," Smith said. "The younger the child, the more important it is that the child receive nurturing care. And it is important that the nurturing continue throughout the child’s life."

Parents should observe their child’s behavior and watch for key warning signs – like problems with friends and teachers. Parents who have a good relationship with their child are more likely to notice problematic behavior and be able to deal with it, even into teen years, Smith said.

"Communication at any age will not work unless the child feels the parent has invested in his or her life," he said. "Making a sacrifice out of love for the child – taking time for the child, going to the zoo or park, playing games, listening to their music – can do more to enhance communication than any class you can take. Good communication and a healthy relationship will flow out of a long-term relationship with the child."