As communities across the country continue to search for meaningful ways to address violence among young people, Barry Cooper, Executive Director and Founder of the B.R.O. Experience Foundation, in Brooklyn, NY, believes the solution begins with understanding the environment surrounding today’s youth.
In a recent interview with Cynthia Horner of Right On Digital, Cooper discussed youth violence, mental wellness, community engagement and the importance of creating safe, nurturing spaces where young people can develop the skills and confidence they need to succeed.
With a background in mental wellness and youth development, Cooper emphasized that young people are not inherently violent. Instead, he said, many negative behaviors can be traced to environmental circumstances, unmet needs and a lack of positive support systems.
Understanding the Environment
Cooper stressed that preventing youth violence requires communities to look beyond the behavior itself and examine what may be contributing to it.
Young people are influenced by their surroundings, their relationships, their access to opportunities and the resources available to their families. Creating environments where youth feel valued, heard and supported can play an important role in changing the trajectory of their lives.
For Cooper, that means developing community spaces that go beyond simply keeping young people occupied. These spaces should provide opportunities for social-emotional development, mentorship, positive relationships, and personal growth.
Barry Cooper with son August by Jacob Gordon
Building Trust Takes Time
One of the most important challenges facing organizations that work with young people is establishing trust.
Cooper explained that trust cannot be demanded or created overnight. It develops through consistency, patience and genuine relationships. He compared building trust with young people to building a relationship with his own child.
The message is simple: young people need adults who will show up for them consistently.
That consistency can be particularly important for youth who may have experienced instability or disappointment from adults and institutions. Before young people can fully embrace a program or accept guidance, they need to know that the people around them genuinely care about their well-being.
Economic Challenges Facing Young People
The conversation also addressed the economic realities confronting teenagers and their families.
For many young people, finding employment can be difficult, particularly when they lack experience or the skills employers are seeking. At the same time, families may struggle to meet everyday expenses and provide basic necessities for their children.
Even something as simple as purchasing a new pair of sneakers can become a financial challenge for some families.
These economic pressures can affect young people’s confidence, opportunities and outlook. Cooper believes communities must consider those realities when developing programs designed to support youth.
Beyond Employment Programs
While youth employment is an important component of helping young people become independent, Cooper believes the conversation cannot stop with jobs.
He advocated for teen-centered community spaces where young people can receive mentorship, develop social-emotional skills and build positive relationships.
Employment programs can provide valuable experience, but young people also need places where they can learn how to communicate, manage emotions, solve problems and navigate the challenges they face.
Cooper’s approach emphasizes developing the whole young person rather than simply preparing them for a paycheck.
A Call to Parents and Communities
Cooper also challenged parents to make youth development a priority, even when circumstances make that difficult.
Many parents are working long hours or multiple jobs simply to provide for their families. Yet Cooper emphasized that making time for children and connecting them with supportive programs can have a lasting impact.
That may require sacrifice, he acknowledged, but investing time in a child’s development can be one of the most important investments a parent makes.
Ultimately, Cooper believes preventing youth violence requires a collective commitment from parents, community organizations, educators and other adults who interact with young people.
The answer is not simply telling young people what not to do. It is creating environments that give them positive alternatives, meaningful relationships and opportunities to see a different future for themselves.
As communities continue searching for solutions to youth violence, Barry Cooper’s message is clear: prevention begins with connection, consistency and creating spaces where young people know they belong.
DON’T MISS OUT!
Barry Cooper is in the process of releasing a children’s book called “The Adventures of Little Bro.” For more information, visit www.thebroexperience.org or IG @the_realcoachcoop
