It’s a question that’s probably debatable, depending on who you ask. Over the past several decades advances have been made in researching the psychology of why kids would turn to fighting as a coping mechanism.  Today though, we’re learning there are other reasons why a child might be tempted to engage in a fight.

There are many added pressures of being a teenager today and kids are taught that it’s cool to fight and have others be afraid of you. Others are angry, and use fighting as the only way of releasing that emotion. Some fight because they’re acting out, due to a lack of attention or love from their family and friends. To a teenager who has low self-esteem, beating up on others and having physical power over them, makes them feel stronger or in charge.

Parent’s Point of View

As parents, we can be held liable for the actions of our children. We’re the ones who get blamed when our child commits a destructive or malicious act against another. If our child is simply involved in a fight, and is honestly trying to defend themselves, then that’s more of a defendable situation as to who’s at fault. If our child develops a pattern of fighting, and we don’t intervene and get them the appropriate help, we should definitely be held more liable.

Kid’s Point of View

As a teenager, it’s especially important that we are taught to be held accountable for our actions. Sometimes though there are situations, like a fight, that can’t be avoided. For example, if another kid attacks us, we have no choice but to defend ourselves with physical force. However, as teenagers we are aware of right and wrong, and should be held liable.

Legally Speaking

When it comes to the damage, or personal injury to another child, parents will be the ones monetarily liable. The children will receive consequences of their own, however it’s the parents who are ultimately held responsible.

Depending on the state you live in, parents could be liable to pay up to 10,000 per assault on another. At least thirteen states also hold parents liable for not properly supervising their child, when they are aware that he or she has a tendency to cause harm.

Now as we can see, there’s plenty to think about and consider when answering the question of responsibility and where we go with these issues as a nation. Do we continue to hold the parents responsible? Or do we start to hold our teenagers more accountable themselves?

If you’re looking for an Attorney, author Eldon Shaw recommends Doyle Raizner, a firm specializing in the personal injury rights of families.