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There
is a great concern about the incidence 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 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 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 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 Presence of firearms in home
- Combination
of stressful family socioeconomic 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" for violent behavior in
children?
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 minimize these behaviors
in children.
What
can be done if a child shows violent behavior?
Whenever
a parent or 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 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. Clearly, violence leads to violence.
In addition,
the following strategies can lessen or prevent violent behavior:
- Prevention
of child abuse (use of programs such as parent training,
family support programs, etc.)
- Sex
education and parenting programs for adolescents
- Early
intervention programs for violent youngsters
- Monitoring
child's viewing of violence on TV/videos/movies
For additional/related
information see other Facts for Families:
Conduct Disorders (#33)
Children and Firearms (#37)
Children and TV Violence (#13)
Child Abuse (#5) and
Child Sexual Abuse (#9).
Article
#55 Updated 11/96
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