As reports of violence involving children and teenagers continue to raise concern, experts emphasize the importance of understanding the factors behind aggressive behavior and recognizing early warning signs. From bullying and physical assaults to serious acts of violence in schools, these incidents highlight the need for parents, educators, and communities to work together to protect young people and guide them toward healthier ways of managing their emotions.
According to Constantine L. Yu Chua, MD, a Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Specialist at Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed), there is no single explanation for why children and teenagers engage in violent behavior. Instead, it may result from a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors.
Understanding The Factors Behind Youth Violence
Certain mental health conditions may affect a young person’s self-control, mood, social perception, and judgment, although having a psychiatric condition does not automatically make someone violent. Psychological factors, such as hostility toward peers or authority figures, hopelessness, and difficulties with emotional regulation, problem-solving, decision-making, and empathy, may also contribute.
Social environments play an equally important role. Exposure to violence at home, in school, or in the community can make aggression appear normal or acceptable. Children experiencing bullying or abuse may attempt to retaliate in similar ways, while a lack of meaningful relationships and social support can leave them feeling isolated. Access to weapons can further increase the risk of violent acts.
Online interactions and media exposure may also influence young people’s attitudes toward violence. Dr. Yu Chua notes that repeated exposure to harmful influences and sensationalized reports of violent incidents can contribute to the normalization or glorification of aggression, particularly when these messages are reinforced by influential figures.
However, risk factors do not automatically determine a child’s behavior. Supportive relationships, a sense of purpose, and timely intervention can help protect young people and encourage healthier responses to difficult situations.
Recognizing Warning Signs Early
Parents are encouraged to pay attention to persistent patterns of behavior that may signal a need for support. These include conduct problems such as bullying, stealing, vandalism, smoking, and drinking, as well as verbal or online threats to harm others.
Some young people may show little remorse or difficulty empathizing with others and may not respond to conventional discipline. Others may recognize that their behavior is harmful but struggle to manage overwhelming emotions. In either case, consistent observation and appropriate intervention are important.
Dr. Yu Chua recommends an approach that balances understanding with accountability, which he describes as “connect and correct.” Parents should acknowledge their children’s thoughts and feelings while setting clear boundaries and appropriate consequences for harmful behavior.
“Just because we understand what they’re going through doesn’t mean we let go of their negative actions,” he explains, emphasizing that reinforcing positive behavior is just as important as correcting misconduct.
Parents should also listen when teenagers express concerns about their own behavior or ask for help. Such admissions can provide an important opportunity to seek professional guidance before problems escalate.
A Combination Of Support And Professional Care
A mental health assessment by a qualified psychiatrist may include clinical interviews, psychological testing, and laboratory tests to rule out underlying physical conditions. Depending on the findings, treatment may involve counseling, psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of approaches.
Dr. Yu Chua stresses that medication alone may not address the behavioral patterns and practical skills a young person needs to develop. Therapy can help them strengthen self-control, problem-solving, and social skills, while medication may be appropriate when an underlying mental health condition requires treatment.
Support should also extend beyond the clinical setting. Parents, relatives, teachers, and friends all have a role in helping at-risk children feel safe, understood, and supported.
Building Healthier Ways To Cope
Parents can help prevent violence by modeling constructive ways to handle stress, frustration, and conflict. Children need to see that anger is a normal emotion that can be expressed without hurting others. Building trusting relationships also gives young people someone they can approach when facing difficulties or uncertainty about their future.
Providing opportunities to help others, contribute to their communities, and experience positive accomplishments can further encourage empathy and a sense of purpose.
Ultimately, addressing youth violence requires more than punishment alone. Early recognition, consistent guidance, meaningful connections, and professional support can help children develop healthier behaviors and make safer choices.
For more information, contact MakatiMed On-Call at +632.88888 999, email [email protected], or visit www.makatimed.net.ph. Follow @IamMakatiMed on Facebook and Twitter.
