Abstract

MELO, Monica Cristina Batista de; BARROS, Érika Neves de  and  ALMEIDA, Andréa Maria Lages Gomes de. Manifestatations of violence in adolescents in public schools in the municipality of Jaboatão dos Guararapes. Ciênc. saúde coletiva [online]. 2011, vol.16, n.10, pp. 4211-4221. ISSN 1413-8123.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1413-81232011001100026.

Adolescence is a period in human development characterized by profound biological, psychological and social modifications affecting both adolescents and their entire social and family environment. This stage, which has good character forming opportunities, is also permeated by various risks, including violence. Nowadays, violence is the main cause of death among adolescents and is considered a public health concern. This research sought to investigate manifestations of violence in adolescents from public schools of the municipality of Jaboatão dos Guararapes. This is a qualitative study, in which the data obtained from a questionnaire was analyzed using the content analysis technique. The results show that the main manifestations of violence involve harm to others. Drug usage was revealed as the main motive behind physical violence. The deployment of more policemen was the strategy most cited and strengthening the family unit was the most commented preventative measure. In conclusion, the importance of further discussion about disguised manifestations of violence is clear as this would contribute to reflections on new prevention proposals and greater visibility of the phenomenon.

Keywords : Adolescence; Violence; Social manifestation; Public health.