Expert: Teen girl violence on the rise

NEWPORT, R.I. (WPRI) - A recent pair of disturbing videos involving teen girls' being attacked are leaving many wondering if violence is on the rise.

The first video taken in Woonsocket last week and uploaded on YouTube shows four girls attacking a 12-year-old girl.

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The second shocking video shows a Rogers High School student attacking a fellow classmate.

The 52-second video shows the girl punching the victim, pulling the victim's hair and dragging her through school grounds.

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Barry Plummer, a clinical child psychologist, says he's noticed an increase in violence among teenage girls about ten years ago. He says social media sites have only made it worse.

"Girls get exposed to all sorts of violent things, but the social media and the ability to transmit that rapidly, I think that's accelerated what girls are exposed to. They're exposed to what each other thinks more quickly and with Facebook and texting and other kinds of things you can respond to it," he said.

Plummer says in some cases bullies pressure others to participate in attacks with them and they may also have other social and emotional problems that need to be addressed.

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Posting the videos online he says, is an example of teens not thinking about consequences.

"I don't think kids think beyond the excitement of the moment and the payback the girl should be getting in the moment."

Plummer says it is important for parents to talk to teens and set rules about use of cell phones and social media.

Click here for more details on getting help with bullies