Early signs that a child may become violent
These signs warn that a child can become very violent over time – action must be taken!
Never turn a blind eye to violent behavior by a child. Violence among school-age children is often preceded by certain warning signs in their behavior. When adults are able to recognize and address these early indications in time, more serious incidents and tendencies toward violent behavior can often be avoided in the future.
Most violence that occurs in schools is in the form of intimidation and psychological violence. Children as young as preschoolers can display violent behavior. Parents and other adults who witness the behavior may be concerned, but they often expect the young child to “get over” it alone.
The complex and troubling problem of violence in childhood must be carefully understood by parents, teachers, and other adults. Violent behavior in a child, at any age, should always be taken seriously. It should not be dismissed as simply a phase the child is going through.
While warning signs may present differently from child to child, and not all of these signs may necessarily appear together, it is worth consulting a mental health professional if you notice your child displaying these types of behaviors or emotions. .
Index
WARNING SIGNS
The following behaviors can be early warning signs that a child may develop violent tendencies. Do not lose detail:
- Excessive feelings of isolation and loneliness.
- Excessive feelings of rejection.
- Feelings of being persecuted.
- Low school interest and poor academic performance.
- Expression of violence in writings and drawings
.
- Easily frustrating
- Social retreat
- History of discipline problems.
- Intolerance to differences and harmful attitudes.
- Extreme irritability
- Uncontrolled and intense anger.
- Bad temper or ‘explosions’
- Extreme impulsiveness
It is not uncommon for children to display some of these behaviors or emotions in isolation as part of normal childhood development, but when these behaviors begin to take hold, it is cause for concern. The problem is that if parents, teachers and the school do not recognize and address this type of behavior, without interventions for the children, then it can escalate into violence that could be much more damaging.
RISK FACTOR’S
There are several factors that can increase the risk of a child developing violent tendencies. However, these are always very complex , and the presence of such factors does not necessarily mean that a child is destined to become violent. There are several factors that can increase the risk of a child developing violent tendencies.
If a child is exposed to violence, they are more likely to become violent themselves. Children who experience or witness violence in their community, physical punishment or domestic violence, and those who have been victims of physical or sexual abuse are at higher risk of becoming violent themselves.
Even violence in the media, such as movies, television shows, or computer games, could increase a child’s risk of violent behavior. There may also be genetic factors that could predispose a child to violence, and certain types of brain damage from head injuries can also play a role in the development of violent behavior.
Children who are bullied or have become involved with gangs, drugs, or alcohol, as well as those who face a combination of stressful family socio-economic factors such as poverty, severe deprivation, marital breakdown, child rearing, unemployment, or loss support From extended family, you may also be at higher risk.
SIGNS THAT DANGER MAY BE IMMINENT
The imminent warning signs that a child may have a serious violent episode require immediate intervention. Serious physical fights with peers or family members, severe destruction of property, or the child showing severe anger for seemingly minor reasons are signs that assistance is urgently needed. Similarly, threats of lethal violence, or a detailed plan to harm or kill others , especially if the child has a history of assault or has attempted threats in the past, should never be ignored.
The imminent warning signs that a child may have a serious violent episode require immediate intervention. If a child is found to have self-harm, threatens suicide, or indicates a concern about suicide or violence, professional help is also needed as soon as possible.
Parents and educators alike have a responsibility to take action when these signs are observed. Adults involved in the child’s life have a responsibility to seek help from child and family service providers, community mental health professionals, or other appropriate organizations. Immediate intervention by parents or caregivers, school authorities, possibly involving police officers, is necessary when a child has a detailed plan for committing violence or putting away a weapon. Parents should be informed immediately when students exhibit any threatening behavior at school or in their communities.
MANIFESTATIONS OF VIOLENT BEHAVIOR.
Violent behavior in children and adolescents can include a wide range of behaviors, including:
- Physical assault or fighting.
- Loud and explosive tantrums
- Intimidation
- Set fire to objects
- Threats or attempts to harm others
- Use of weapons
- Cruelty to animals
- Intentional destruction of property and vandalism
HOW TO REDUCE THE RISK
Violent behavior can be prevented, or the likelihood of its occurrence reduced, if risk factors are minimized or eliminated. Efforts should be directed at drastically reducing the exposure of children and adolescents to violence in the home, the community, and the media, as violence clearly leads to violence.
Whenever a parent or other adult is concerned, they should immediately arrange for a comprehensive evaluation by a qualified mental health professional. When it comes to a parent or other adult, they should immediately arrange a comprehensive evaluation by a qualified mental health professional, usually a psychiatrist or psychologist , as early identification and treatment can help. The result of the evaluation would indicate the most appropriate treatment program, most likely individual psychotherapy by a clinical psychologist , however, in younger children, play therapy may be indicated. When necessary, the psychologist will refer the child to a psychiatrist.
The goals of treatment generally focus on helping the child learn to control anger; express anger and frustrations appropriately; take responsibility for your actions; and accept the consequences for your actions.
Dr. Tabriella Perivolaris, Sara's mother and fan of fashion, beauty, motherhood, among others, about the female universe. Since 2018 she has been working as a copywriter, always bringing to her articles a little of her experience and experience as a mother and woman.