Understanding Violent Behavior in Children & Adolescents

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There is a great concern about the incidence of violent behavior among children and adolescents and this complex, troubling issue needs to be carefully understood by parents, teachers.

Children as young as preschoolers can show violent behavior, Parents and other adults who witness the behavior may be concerned however, they often hope that the young child will “grow out of it.” 

Violent behavior in a child at any age always needs to be taken seriously.  It should not be quickly dismissed as “just a phase they’re going through!”

Range of Violent Behavior:

Violent behavior in children and adolescents can include a wide range of behaviors:

·         Explosive temper tantrums,

·         Fighting and physical aggression, 

·         Threats or attempts to hurt others (including homicidal thoughts),

·         Use of weapons, cruelty toward animals,

·         Fire setting and intentional destruction of property and vandalism.

Factors Which Increase Risk of Violent Behavior:

Numerous research studies have concluded that a complex interaction or combination of factors leads to an increased risk of violent behavior in children and adolescents.  These factors include:

  • Previous aggressive or violent behavior
  • Being the victim of physical abuse and/or sexual abuse
  • Exposure to violence in the home and/or community
  • Genetic (family heredity) factors
  • Exposure to violence in media (TV, movies, etc.)
  • Use of drugs and/or alcohol 
  • Combination of stressful family socioeconomic factors (poverty,  marital breakup, single parenting, unemployment)
  • Brain damage from head injury

Children who have several risk factors and show the following behaviors should be carefully evaluated (“warning signs” for violent behavior)

  • Intense anger                                                                                      
  • Frequent loss of temper or blow-ups
  • Extreme irritability
  • Extreme impulsiveness
  • Becoming easily frustrated

Parents and teachers should be careful not to minimize these behaviors in children.

Whenever a parent or other adult is concerned, they should immediately arrange for a comprehensive evaluation by a qualified mental health professional as early treatment by a professional can often help, family conflicts, school problems, and community issues must be addressed. 

The goals of treatment typically focus on helping the child to:

·         Learn how to control his/her anger

·         Express anger and frustrations in appropriate ways

·          Be responsible for his/her actions; and accept consequences. 

Prevention and Reduction Strategies of Violent Behavior in Children:

Studies have shown that much violent behavior can be decreased or even prevented if the above risk factors are significantly reduced or eliminated.  Most importantly, efforts should be directed at:

·         Dramatically decreasing the exposure of children and adolescents to violence in the home, community, and through the media as

  • Sex education and parenting programs for adolescents
  • Early intervention programs for violent youngsters
  • Monitoring child’s viewing of violence on TV/videos/movies

Always remember that violence leads to violence.

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