Teen Violence Prevention Initiatives Announced By FXBG Committee

FREDERICKSBURG, VA — A new Fredericksburg Steering Committee has begun meeting to create new initiatives to prevent teen violence. The committee includes 30 community members including representatives from the city's school system, parents, city officials, and local leaders.

The group meets on a monthly basis and is currently focused on preventing violence among area teenagers. Leaders are also discussing concerns about social media and its impact on local young people.

"Teen Violence Prevention is critical work – it is also bigger than any one organization can tackle alone,” Fredericksburg City Manager Timothy Baroody said in a news release. “I’m grateful for the community members and organizations who have come to the table. The only way this works is by pulling together, and pooling our collective talents and resources to help create the peaceful community in which our residents of all ages can thrive.”

The committee has already implemented several new initiatives including accessible mental health services, educational opportunities for parents, and a new youth council organized by the local NAACP.

The committee has also started to plan extracurricular activities for Fredericksburg teenagers. Events include free skate nights at the Dixon Park ice rink, a summer basketball league, and an expanded scholars program for students in grades 3 through 8.

"The issue of teen violence extends far beyond school walls and can impact every corner of our community,” Fredericksburg City Public Schools Superintendent Marci Catlett said in a news release. “For that reason, we are committed to ongoing transparency and accountability throughout this process. As the committee continues to meet, we will keep sharing our progress with the entire community.”

More information about the committee's activities to prevent teen violence is available online.