Understanding violence among kids and adolescents

Violent behavior in a child at any age always needs to be taken seriously. Efforts should be directed at decreasing the exposure of children and adolescents to violence in the home, community and through the media. Clearly, violence leads to violence

CJ: Jaipandey

Tue, Mar 10, 2009 17:31:26 IST

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India Social Issue :

THERE IS a great concern about growing incidents of violent behavior among children and adolescents. This complex and troubling issue needs to be carefully understood by parents, teachers, and other adults.

Children as young as pre-schoolers can show violent behavior. Parents and other adults who witness the behavior may be concerned, however, they often hope that their 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, physical aggression, fighting, threats or attempts to hurt others (including, homicidal thoughts), use of weapons, cruelty toward animals, fire setting, intentional destruction of property and vandalism.

Factors Which Increase Risk

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
Presence of firearms in home
Combination of stressful family socio-economic factors (poverty, severe deprivation, marital breakup, single parenting, unemployment, loss of support from extended family)
Brain damage from head injury

What are the “warning signs”?

Children who have several risk factors and show the following behaviors should be carefully evaluated:
Intense anger
Frequent loss of temper or blow-ups
Extreme irritability
Extreme impulsiveness
Becoming easily frustrated

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

What can be done if a child shows violent behavior?

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

Can anything prevent violent behavior in children?

Research studies have shown that violent behavior can be reduced or even prevented if the above risk factors are significantly controlled. Most importantly, efforts should be directed at decreasing the exposure of children and adolescents to violence in the home, community and through the media. Clearly, violence leads to violence.

In addition, the following strategies can lessen or prevent violent behavior:

Prevention of child abuse (use of programmes such as parent training, family support programmes, etc.)
Sex education and parenting programs for adolescents
Early intervention programmes for violent youngsters
Monitoring child’s viewing of violence on TV/videos/movies

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