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Workplace violence against adolescent workers in the US
1University of North Carolina Injury Prevention Research Center, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA. kimberly_rauscher@unc.edu
American Journal of Industrial Medicine
|May 21, 2008
Summary
Adolescent workers face significant workplace violence, with nearly one-third experiencing verbal threats, physical attacks, or sexual harassment. Prevention strategies targeting youth are crucial.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Adolescent Psychology
- Criminology
Background:
- Workplace violence is a prevalent issue, predominantly studied in adult populations.
- Adolescent workers are disproportionately vulnerable due to employment conditions but lack research focus.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence and perpetrators of workplace violence among adolescent workers.
- To identify specific forms of violence (physical attacks, verbal threats, sexual harassment) experienced by young employees.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of survey data from 1,171 U.S. students aged 14-17.
- Descriptive statistics were employed to examine violence incidence and perpetrator demographics.
Main Results:
- Nearly one-third of adolescent workers reported experiencing workplace violence.
- Prevalence: 25% verbal threats, 10% physical attacks, 10% sexual harassment.
- Customers most frequently perpetrated physical and verbal aggression, while co-workers were primary perpetrators of sexual harassment.
Conclusions:
- A substantial proportion of working adolescents encounter workplace violence early in their careers.
- Adolescents' heightened vulnerability necessitates tailored workplace violence prevention strategies.
- Prioritizing prevention efforts for adolescent workers is essential for their safety and well-being.
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