4 Troubled Teens Blog

More Teens Literally Playing with Fire

When Assistant District Attorney H.C. Bright started working in Hamilton County, Tennessee, he was shocked at the number of juvenile arson cases. While it was rare in adult cases, it was almost "normal" in juvenile ones.
"Children younger than 18 set more than 17,000 of the 32,500 intentional fires in 2007, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. Juvenile arson and accidental fires result in more than 300 deaths and 2,000 injuries annually ...
(Source: Chattanooga Times Free Press)
While some kids start playing with fire out of mere curiosity, others do it as a way of acting out (which may indicate the presence of a conduct disorder or other mental health issue). Regardless of their motivation, few young people who start fires seem to be aware of the potential damage that their actions can cause to people and property.

Labels: behavioral_issues, conduct disorder

Posted By: Aspen/CRC