MIAMI -- It is hard to find anyone these days who is not worried about finances.

Wall Street is a roller coaster, business is slow, and gas prices change by the minute. It's a lot to digest and manage.

But, in the midst of so much turmoil, experts said it's important to consider the stress your kids are facing.

"As times get tough, people's tempers start to get a little edgy. It spills over to the child, and they bring it to school with them," said the chief of police for Miami Gardens.

Many said the problem with youth violence is getting worse because of the failing economy.

"Violence is, for the youth in particular, is at a level that is somewhat of a disgrace for the United States," said national researcher Ron Slaby.

Slaby feels financial stress at home can turn kids into bullies. Often, the victims of the bullies also turn to violence as a reaction.

All the while, schools are slashing their budgets. That means fewer programs and fewer professionals to help out.

"It's a recipe for disaster if the community, law enforcement, teachers and parents don't step in," said the police chief for North Bay Village.

He and dozens of other chiefs, along with community activists, attended a conference held by the Melissa Institute For Violence Prevention and Treatment. The idea is to come together during the tough times, to learn to make due with less and to empower kids.

"By engaging them to become the violence preventers of their generation," Slaby said.

Parents are urged to get involved with their children's lives and talk to them about violence. They should monitor the Internet and get to know their children's friends. Also, parents can keep them active with positive activities so that the United States' financial beating doesn't turn physical on the playground.

For more information, go to www.melissainstitute.org.