Ever wondered why children become monsters?

Violent and abusive homes are sometimes associated with child bullies. Children can be cute and adorable when we first meet them, however as they get comfortable around us, their true nature becomes exposed. Sometimes a sweet and innocent doll-faced child can turn out to be cheeky and naughty, which is quite normal. However when their behavioral patterns begin to unravel making them aggressive and violent “little monsters”, there is definitely something wrong. I remember learning about the ‘Nature verses Nurture theory’ in my psychology course that puts forward the notion that both genetic and environmental factors contribute to a human being’s behavior and personality. Does this mean that some children are predestined to be aggressive? This topic is argued both ways and remains highly controversial because the genetic origin of aggression is poorly understood, and is yet to be fully discovered. One finding which supports the view that a child can be predestined to be aggressive shows that introverted children who are fearful and lack confidence in school have personality characteristics that appear to be linked to physical violence, and are more likely to become physically aggressive. This study simply implies that there is a link between withdrawn children and aggression and does not mean that a child will be violent simply because of shyness. Violent and abusive homes are sometimes associated with child bullies. Bullying, also known as peer victimization is an intentional, aggressive behavior that can bring on both physical harm and emotional despair to the victimized. It is believed that children who are victimized and feel helpless at home, need to enjoy being in control outside the home. Bullies may appear to be overconfident; in spite of this they are actually insecure, frightened, children who make themselves feel better by harassing other children. Ideally the family unit should act as a support system and strong backbone for any child. If events are taking place in the home that strain a child or cause trauma, such as domestic violence it will have a negative impact and the child will stand a higher risk of becoming violent towards others. It is easy for us to judge or become easily irritated by a child’s aggression, but we need to be mindful that there could possibly be unresolved physiological issues behind such behavior and its trigger needs to be detected. If ever we detect abnormal aggressive behavioral patterns in any child, it is important to do all we can to help. ms.efuahagan@gmail.com