INDIANAPOLIS -- High school boys in Indiana are bringing weapons to school at an alarming rate, according to a new report.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that in 2009, 29.2 percent of Indiana high school boys said they carried a weapon, such as a gun, knife or club, on at least one day during the 30 days before the survey, 6News' Renee Jameson reported.

Officials with the Indiana Youth Services Association, which focuses on juvenile delinquency preventions, said the number of teens carrying weapons may be increasing with growing instability in homes due to high unemployment.

"I know the negative behaviors increase when kids are feeling neglected or pressured and their fuses are shorter and their ability to handle situations is weakened," said CEO Cheryl Hall-Russell. "So it could result in buying more guns and more fights and more knives."

Indianapolis resident Antario Hartwell said he's seen his share of violence at the hands of teens carrying weapons, and that those weapons are easy to come by.

"Because who you grow up around and your family and all the other teens. They know somebody that know somebody that have them," he said. "I've seen a lot of people throw their life away because of guns."

Hall-Russell said it's crucial to talk to children about the dangers of weapons, and to let them know there are alternatives.

"Get them in sports, in counseling," she said. "If they're upset, talk it out. You know, compromise, because the best thing isn't violence."

Parents or teenagers who need help dealing with youth violence can contact the Indiana Youth Services Association toll free at 866-888-4972.

More Information: CDC Report