The recent trials of a group of high school football players from Pennsylvania, who faced various charges stemming from the death of a Mexican immigrant, has brought nationwide attention to hate crimes and young people.

A fight broke out between the group of young boys and Luis Ramirez, who died two days later from his extensive injuries. Witnesses reported the boys yelling racial slurs at Ramirez, and many in the town were left to wonder how these honor students and “good kids,” according to family and friends, were involved in such a brutal and deadly beating.

National studies show that hate crimes perpetrated by young people are becoming more common, especially amongst young men who, according to a researcher at the Brudnick Center on Violence, are prone to “violent instincts.”

Hate crimes by the numbers

Recent FBI stats show that anti-Latino hate crimes are on the rise. They account for 8% of all hate crimes and between 2003 and 2007, the amount of hate crimes against Latinos jumped 40%, despite only a 14% increase in Latino population.

These statistics also show that 35% of hate crimes are directed at blacks, 16% against homosexuals, and 13% against Jewish people.

Hate crime experts add that holding people accountable for these crimes can be tough, because many times the victims won’t report them, because they are not legal citizens or don’t trust the police system.

When a hate crime is reported, it can still be difficult for prosecutors to prove that the incident was based on hate, and not a random act of violence.

The best way to combat hate crimes is to stop them before they start – see what you can do to decrease hate crimes in your neighborhood.