About Book

This study examines the messages that parents convey to urban middle school students regarding both fighting and nonviolence. Using a diverse sample of adolescents, the authors identify patterns in parental communication that either reinforce aggressive behaviors or promote peaceful conflict resolution. Findings reveal that parental influence is a critical mediator in how young people respond to conflict, particularly in high-risk urban environments where exposure to violence is more common. The study highlights the dual role of parents—sometimes encouraging fighting as self-defense, while at other times promoting nonviolent coping strategies. The research contributes to understanding how youth attitudes toward violence are shaped, and how interventions can target family communication patterns to foster peace-oriented socialization. This article is especially relevant in the context of youth violence prevention, peacebuilding in schools, and family-based interventions. It provides an empirical foundation for community engagement strategies that address the root causes of violence among adolescents. Community Engagement Mechanisms include: • Developing parent-training workshops on conflict mediation. • Informing school-based peace education curricula with family involvement. • Providing evidence for youth rehabilitation programs that include parental counseling. • Equipping NGOs and educators with tools to balance safety concerns and nonviolent principles.