Violent behavior in children is a serious problem in the United States. According to Janet Benavente, the Cooperative Extension Family and Consumer Science agent at Colorado State University, experts agree that violence in children is learned and can be unlearned. There are many complex reasons why a child may become violent. Understanding this behavior and the factors that cause it is important in terms of treating the child.
History
Rates of violent crime involving children have been increasing for the last few decades. According to the Child Stats website, since 1980, between 19 percent and 26 percent of all serious violent crimes involve children. In the past, this aggressive behavior has been related to violence that children see on television, but in more recent years, it has been related to children's experience playing video games. Children presenting violent behaviors may have also been subject to abuse, neglect or psychological trauma.
Types
There are many different types of violent behavior in which a child can participate. Usually, the younger the child, the milder the violent behavior, although this is not always the case. According to the website for the Surgeon General of the United States, children can perform homicide, forcible rape, aggravated assault and even robbery. The more serious crimes can begin in late childhood (between the ages of 8 and 12) and can increase in frequency and severity in the teenage years.
Time Frames
Violent behavior can occur at any time during a child's life, but it usually begins after some type of physical, mental or sexual abuse. According to the website for the Surgeon General, an early onset comes before puberty and a late onset can develop in adolescence. This violent tendencies will sometimes fester inside the child for years before they are acted out. Young children may first hurt other children, siblings, pets or animals. As the child becomes older and moves into adolescence, an increase in the frequency of violence can be seen.
Identification
Early identification of violent behavior is important so that immediate interventions and treatment can be provided. According to Janet Benavente of the University of Colorado, certain factors can lead to violent behavior. Children who exhibit aggression or problems with concentrating on tasks are at high risk for violent behavior. This is also true for children who have been abused and those who have not had the appropriate boundaries set in their lives. Parents, teachers or other adults working should be vigilant of a child's behavior. If a child exhibits violent behavior such as hurting or killing animals, he should be immediately examined by a physician.
Effects
Violent behavior in children can intersect with various parts of society. It often results in higher medical expenses, increased taxes from local and state governments, property damage and physical injury to humans and animals. It can also result in the death of an person or animal. A violent child's family is also adversely affected by the behavior. A family may require counseling or medical treatment due to injury or trauma caused by the child.
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