Aggressive behavior in children concerns and affects individuals, families, schools and communities. A violent outburst from a teenager may cause damage or personal harm. Even a toddler with a tantrum presents stress and concern for parents and bystanders. According to the World Health Organization, "Violence involving young people adds greatly to the costs of health and welfare services, reduces productivity, decreases the value of property, disrupts a range of essential services and generally undermines the fabric of society."
Description
Aggressive behavior may appear in toddlers, school age children and adolescents. The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry describes aggressive, violent behavior to include, "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." Some level of anger and frustration is considered normal. However, the University of Michigan Health System reminds parents to call their child's pediatrician if their toddler has tantrums that last more than 10 minutes or if their school-aged child continues to have tantrums after the age of 4.
Causes
Children's aggressive behavior may stem from environmental or mental health issues. Environmental causes include living in a violent home, abuse or exposure to violence on TV, in movies or in video games. A report from the World Health Organization states that there is, "a significant positive correlation between exposure to media violence and aggressive behaviour, regardless of age." Mental health issues causing behavior issues include the diagnoses of conduct disorder, oppositional defiant disorder and ADHD. According to the University of Virginia Health System, "behavior disorders (sometimes referred to as disruptive behavior disorders) are the most common reasons children are referred for mental health evaluations and treatment."
Effects
Aggression in children affects family, friends and school. Families may be restricted from participating in certain activities due to potential aggressive behaviors. A child's friends may withdraw when exposed to violent outbursts. The aggressive child and his classmates learn less due to his behaviors. Violent and aggressive children affect their communities if they require medical, therapeutic, social and judicial services.
Misconceptions
Because aggressive behaviors stem from multiple causes, individuals observing the behaviors may make incorrect conclusions. The parent of a child with aggressive tendencies due to a biological condition may be considered an inadequate parent. A child with aggressive outbursts caused by her Tourette syndrome may be thought of as a child with little self-control.
Treatment
Treatment for aggressive behavior in children varies according to the age of the child and the cause of the aggression. Basic tools include behavior modification, therapy, medication and placement in a group home or specialized school. A toddler exhibiting aggressive behavior through biting, for example, will receive negative consequences for the biting along with compliments for not biting. A fifth-grader who bullies other children may require negative consequences combined with therapy. A 12-year-old adopted at age 6 after years of abuse may need counseling along with medication. An aggressive high school student may require out-of-home placement to receive intensive counseling and treatment
