History/Background Canada's history of violence has influenced the actions of young people we see today. The first recorded youth gang in history was discovered before World War II. However, these gangs seen in the past lacked a criminal element unlike what we see in gangs today (Tunstall, 2009, p. 1). The history of youth violence in the United States was higher and more violent than it was in Canada at the time. However, trends in youth violence have come from the United States to influence Canada into more violent youth behavior. More recently, 180 youth gangs were found active in the Greater Toronto Area in 2005, resulting in the most violent year for youth in Ontario (Tunstall, 2009, p. 1). This history of youth violence in Canada and the United States has most certainly shaped the level of crime and violence we see among young people today. Causes and Effects Many factors influence youth violence, as well as various effects it can have on the surrounding world. Homes with absent parents, low income, and substance abuse have negative effects on children, making them more vulnerable to violent behavior (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2013). Children raised in these types of families tend to pass on the same behavior to their future families and children since the family is the first main method of socialization (Voisin, 2007, p. 53). A child is at risk of violence if he or she has been a victim or observer of violence in his or her past. Youth violence may also develop if the child has a mental disability, low intelligence, or is extremely introverted (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2013). Peers and the community also...... middle of paper ......ve that these are just children who have been nurtured to act this way in their environment. For example, a new act of violence that has spread to the United States and is making its way to Canada is called the Knockout “game.” In this “game”, an unexpected victim is punched in the face by a young person without warning. This can lead to death or other injuries such as concussions, blood clots, or even brain damage. The most common opinion in this case is that young people who commit these crimes should be tried as adults and given harsh punishments in order to stop and intimidate other teenagers who might be planning an attack like this. This “game” has so far resulted in 4 deaths, but these acts of violence continue to be perpetrated (Weisz, 2013). People across North America generally share the same views on youth violence and the need to end it..