North Carolina Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) State Practice Exam

Youth violence involves young people ages ____ to ____ who use physical force or power to threaten or harm others.

1. 5 to 15

2. 10 to 24

3. 15 to 30

4. 20 to 35

The correct answer is: 10 to 24

The definition of youth violence typically encompasses individuals in a broader age range that reflects common developmental stages and social contexts where violence may occur. Young people ages 10 to 24 are often included in research and discussions about youth violence because this range captures adolescents and young adults during critical periods of psychosocial development. During these formative years, individuals are more likely to experience peer pressure, engage in risk-taking behaviors, and confront issues of identity—all of which can contribute to incidents of violence. The inclusion of both early teens and young adults is important for understanding and addressing the factors that contribute to violence in community settings. This age range aligns well with various public health, educational, and social services initiatives that aim to mitigate youth violence through targeted prevention and intervention strategies. Thus, the correct answer reflects a widely accepted demographic for the study and understanding of youth violence.