Violence in children and teens encompasses a range of behaviors, including temper tantrums, physical aggression, threats of violence, use of weapons, fighting, animal cruelty and intentionally destroying and vandalizing property, according to the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. Children can begin to act violent as early as preschool and the behavior can get worse over time if parents or teachers dismiss it as a passing phase, reports the AACAP. Understanding violent behavior in children is the first step in stopping it before it causes serious harm.
Internal Causes
Most violent children have come to believe that violence is an acceptable method of dealing with problems. These children often have lost a sense of empathy for others and overpowering others gives them a sense of strength and worth that they can't find elsewhere, according to pediatric health website DrSpock.com. Violent children also often believe that the world is cold, hostile and unsafe where they are the victim of prejudice or other bullies, according to DrSpock.com.
Risk Factors
Children are more likely to be violent if they experience abuse, neglect or high levels of family conflict, according to the Colorado State University Extension. Children who live in areas with high crime rates, poor housing, gang activity, lack of services and low-quality educational and recreational opportunities are more likely to be exposed to factors that make violent behavior more likely, according to the U.S. Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention.
Warning Signs
Children with several of the above risk factors should be evaluated closely, especially if they exhibit certain behaviors. The AACAP recommends evaluating children who show intense anger, have frequent blow-ups or loss of temper, are extremely irritable, easily frustrated and extremely impulsive.
Helping the Violent Child
If you are concerned that your child's violence is getting out of control, seek counsel from a qualified mental health professional as soon as possible. Early treatment can help your child learn how to take responsibility for her actions, control and appropriately express her anger and accept the consequences of her actions, according to the AACAP. Underlying issues such as family abuse also need to be addressed if they are contributing to the problem.
Prevention/Solution
Some community efforts, such as family support programs and parent training, are important in reducing children's exposure to violence in the home, community and media and decreasing their risk of becoming violent, according to the AACAP. Additionally, teens should receive sex education and attend parenting programs and violent youth should enter early intervention programs.
