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Violence among youth stems from a combination of factors, including mental disorders, antagonistic attitudes, underdevelopment of crucial psychological skills, and media exposure.
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Reports of violence are becoming more commonplace these days with stabbings, fist fights, and shootings at close range now brazenly done in broad daylight. Yet what often shocks people is that the alleged perpetrators behind these acts of aggressive behavior are children or teens.
In Basilan, two teens beat a 15-year-old schoolmate for refusing to smoke a cigarette. In General Trias, Cavite, a 14-year-old girl entered a classroom and stabbed seven Grade 5 students with a kitchen knife. Investigations continue following a 14-year-old boy’s senseless school shooting in Tacloban, Leyte, where three students were killed and at least 20 wounded.
To the parents of the victims, such actions against their children are both heartbreaking, deplorable, and intolerable. But what about the parents of children who performed the aggressive behavior? Were they aware that their son or daughter was capable of violence—or were they just as surprised as the rest of us when they got the news?
No exact reason
Why children and teenagers are capable of such shocking behavior is a question Constantine L. Yu Chua, MD, is often asked. “There is no exact reason why violence occurs in children or teenagers,” according to the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Specialist from top hospital in the Philippines, Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed).
Rather than pinpointing a single cause, he believes violence among youth stems from a combination of factors. First are biological factors, specifically mental disorders. This is not to say that those with psychiatric conditions are automatically dangerous. It is that certain conditions can impair self-control, mood, social perception, and judgement. Next are psychological factors, including antagonistic attitudes (seeing peers and authority as enemies), dehumanization, and hopelessness for the future.
Underdevelopment of crucial psychological skills such as emotional regulation, problem solving, decision making, and empathy also contribute. Third are social factors. Experiencing violence at home, in school, and in their community can normalize such behavior and make them seem acceptable. If a child is being bullied or abused, he or she may want to fight back in a similar manner. The lack of connection and social support gives less incentive to behave in a socially constructive manner. Access to weapons can transform ideation into action.
Media and cyberspace have also been implicated in encouraging violent behavior. Many pointed out that the 14-year-old alleged shooter from Tacloban played mobile games which exposed gamers to interactions with negative influences that may hav And yet, says the MakatiMed Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, one can be exposed to all these risk factors and still maintain a sound mind and attitude in the presence of protective factors: having meaningful relationships and connections, a sense of purpose and connection, and engaging in intervention are among the most important. e radicalized them. Sensationalized reporting of violence can “glorify” this concept among young minds, especially if these attitudes are reinforced by influential figures.
And yet, says the MakatiMed Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, one can be exposed to all these risk factors and still maintain a sound mind and attitude in the presence of protective factors: having meaningful relationships and connections, a sense of purpose and connection, and engaging in intervention are among the most important.
Red flags
He advises parents to be sensitive to a predisposition to aggressive or violent behavior in their children. Having a pattern of conduct problems such as smoking, drinking, stealing, vandalizing, and bullying are certainly red flags. Expressing, whether verbally or through online platforms, a plan to inflict harm on someone should be taken seriously. In some cases, youth “do not feel guilt or empathize with other people,” says Dr. Yu Chua. “They do not respond to the usual means of discipline.” On the other hand, some recognize their misconduct and want to change but are repeatedly overwhelmed by their emotions and lose control.
‘Connect and collect’
A huge challenge stands before parents with kids who struggle with aggressive behavior. It is not an insurmountable one, assures Dr. Yu Chua, who believes that understanding a child’s behavior and meting out appropriate disciplinary action can be done together.
“We say ‘connect and correct.’ We understand them and validate their thoughts and feelings, but we’re also going to give consequences or lessons,” he says. “Others tend to correct [bad behavior] right away, so it’s not as effective. And just because we understand what they’re going through doesn’t mean we let go of their negative actions. Moreover, punishment isn’t the only form of discipline, reinforcing good behavior is a bigger part of it.”
It helps that some troubled youth acknowledge their issues. “From my experience as a Child Psychiatrist, many times it’s the teenager who tells their parents that they may have a problem, and we should certainly listen to this call for help,” shares Dr. Yu Chua.
To determine the state of a patient’s mental health, a certified Psychiatrist will perform an evaluation. This typically includes clinical interviews, psychological testing, and lab tests to rule out an underlying physical condition. Depending on the findings, treatment can range from counseling and talk therapy to the prescription of medication.
“Sometimes, counseling alone is not enough if there is a mental health disorder that contributes to violence,” explains Dr. Yu Chua. “And medication alone is not enough because they need to change their thinking, their behavioral patterns, develop their skills for self-control, problem-solving, and socializing. A combination is the best.”
Doctors and professionals, however, are just part of the intervention team. The involvement of parents, family members, teachers, and friends is what truly transforms an at-risk child to feel calm, secure, seen, and loved, thereby changing for the better.
“Number one is to model good behavior,” says the MakatiMed Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist. “You need to show them how to deal with stress and problems without resorting to violence. Anger can be part of normal life, but there are healthy ways to express this. Number two is to build relationships. It’s less likely for a child or teenager to be violent if they know that someone loves them, supports them, will talk to them about their problems, and will be supportive of their future.”
Creating opportunities for kids to be productive and kind to others can have a transformative effect as well. “It’s the opposite of violence,” Dr. Yu Chua points out. “When you’re helping others and you’re able to accomplish good things, you can walk further away from violence.”
For more information, please contact MakatiMed On-Call at +632.88888 999, email mmc@makatimed.net.ph, or visit www.makatimed.net.ph. Follow @IamMakatiMed on Facebook and Twitter.
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