Violence, anger and aggression among adolescents seem to be increasing more than ever. In a tragic incident at a Dehradun school, two Class 11 students allegedly beat a 12-year old to death and the school officials buried the body of the boy inside the school campus, according to a PTI report.
With such cases increasing all across the globe it is imperative to spread awareness about the rising aggression among teenagers and the need to address the issue. Any kind of aggression can be stressful and can lead to fear and animosity in an atmosphere. While some parents can be confused about what steps to take to control their behaviour, many others try to hide the issue behind closed doors. The first step, however, is to not put up with boisterous and rowdy deeds right from the moment they notice.
Dr Sameer Malhotra, Director, Department of Mental Health and Behavioural Sciences, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket says, “Teenage is a sensitive age of development. There are significant hormonal changes during pubertal age that influence one’s emotions and behaviour.”
Listing out the factors that contribute to increasing aggression, he said, “Disturbed family environment, impulse dyscontrol, substance/drug abuse, excessive exposure to violent explicit content on media, violent strategic internet games, less time for meaningful human interaction, peer pressure, issues of self-esteem, disturbed lifestyle including disturbed sleep-wake cycle, fast food, lack of exercise/lack of physical sports are some of the biggest causes of the rising aggression.”
“What is also of great concern are rising demands from others, and the inability to listen to a “no” that, in turn, leads to a build-up of frustration. Impatience, haste, lack of goal/aim, lack of structure to a day, not being able to channelize the energy in physical sports or constructive hobbies, not understanding one’s responsibilities, inability to empathise with others, lack of emotional regulation or self-control, and at times, the lack of due constructive opportunities contribute to rising angst, adjustment problems and aggression are a few other contributing factors,” Dr Malhotra says.
Is your child showing similar symptoms? Wondering what to do to help him or her deal with the aggressive mood swings?
Pointing out the problem areas, Dr Malhotra says, “Underlying ailments or problems such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, conduct disorder, mood disorder, substance abuse/ dependence need to be timely diagnosed and managed to prevent serious consequences.”
“Balanced and healthy lifestyle, life skill training, inculcating a sense of responsibility/empathy, healthy home environment, defining a meaning/purpose to one’s life, healthy sportsman spirit, adequate opportunities can all help,” he adds. As Chris Hedges said: “Violence is a disease, a disease that corrupts all who use it regardless of the cause.”