While assertiveness usually proves a useful and positive quality, aggression can cause concern when parents observe it in their children. Aggression is destructive and not conducive toward encouraging prosocial behavior. In fact, the opposite is typically the case, as antisocial behavior often includes aggressive actions. The challenge is to learn how to transform or channel aggressive energy into prosocial behavior.
Identification of Aggression
The most obvious signs of child aggression include temper tantrums, arguing, fighting and other physical acts of bullying. Aggressive children tend to be self-centered, with their primary focus on "getting their way" more than respecting the rights of their peers or adults in their lives. As Child Development Specialist, Karen DeBord, explained in her report for North Carolina Cooperative Extension Services, children learn aggressive behavior. Unchecked aggression at young ages can lead to increasingly violent, antisocial behavior later in life.
Significance of Prosocial Behavior
Prosocial behavior, in contrast to aggression, focuses on promoting harmony and positive social interaction and relationships. Children who practice prosocial behavior typically are "other oriented," as they demonstrate concern about other people's feelings. A child who learns to engage in prosocial behavior now will likely become a nurturing, considerate adult. As Roberta Knickerbocker reported, people who practice prosocial behavior often become the altruists and philanthropists in the world, committed to the greater good of mankind.
Benefits of Transforming Aggression into Prosocial Behavior
The challenge for parents, teachers and other professionals is learning to transform children's aggressive energy into positive, prosocial behavior. Similar to harnessing otherwise destructive power like strong wind currents and turning them into useful energy through wind mills or turbines, so children's aggression funneled in the right direction can produce positive results. DeBord suggested helping children find alternative activities, such as participating in sports, boxing or other physical activities they enjoy, to redirect some of their energy and build positive relationships with their peers and mentors.
Speculation Behind Increase in Aggression
A 2004 research study by Thomas Kooijmans for the Rochester Institute of Technology speculated that a strong correlation exists between increased childhood aggression and violent video games. Kooijmans reasoned that today's video games are often so realistic that the line between fantasy and reality becomes blurred. Older children and teens, in particular, often demonstrate an inability to separate the virtual world of violence from the horrors of such acts in real life.
Considerations
Observe your child and note when his aggressive behavior peaks. If you see a pattern develop based on routine habits, such as watching certain television shows, playing particular video games or spending time with specific peers, begin modifying those related activities. Limit the amount of time your child spends involved in those situations. Set up guidelines regarding permissible types of television shows and video games. Monitor interactions with friends. Discuss concerns with your child's teachers, his friends' parents and professionals. Don't hesitate to seek guidance and counseling for your child, to curb aggressive behavior before it gets out of hand and turn it around toward prosocial behavior instead.
