Verbal Aggression In Children: Remedial Measures

 Verbal aggression in children across the world is a bad behaviour which has affected children's social, emotional, and academic development. It occurs when children are speaking aggressively in the form of name-calling, insults, threats, and abusive language. It can be a sign of underlying issues, which includes frustration, anger, rebellion, or difficulty with impulse control. If left unchecked, verbal aggression can escalate and become a habitual response to stressful or challenging situations, affecting child's ability to form healthy relationships with others, and achieve academic success.

One of the notable reasons children develop verbal aggression is through observation and imitating, according to Albert Bandura's Social Learning Theory. Children learn by watching others, parents, caregivers, and peers in the environment, and may adopt aggressive behaviour if such is modeled. For example, a child who witnesses verbal aggression at home and community is more likely to exhibit similar behaviour at school. In some cultures, verbal aggression though a bad behaviour may be accepted or even encouraged as a means of asserting oneself, while in others it is totally unacceptable. Understanding these cultural differences is crucial in developing effective strategies to address verbal aggression children's development.

To address verbal aggression in children, it is essential to teach alternative ways to express themselves and manage their emotions. This can be achieved through modeling healthy communication skills, such as active listening, empathy, and respectful dialogue. Parents and caregivers should encourage children to always express their feelings and needs through words, art, and creative outlets, helping them develop emotional regulation skills. For example, teaching children the difference between assertive and aggressive communication can help them understand that while it is good to express their feelings and needs, it is not good to do so in a hurtful, insulting, and aggressive manner. 

Remedial measures can include teaching children social skills, such as problem-solving, conflict resolutions, and empathy. Through the promotion of positive relationships and social interactions, children can develop essential life skills, including effective communication, cooperation, and respect for others. In some countries, such as Canada, schools have implemented programmes to teach children social-emotional learning skills, self-awareness, self-regulation, and empathy, which has led to a significant reduction in verbal aggression. 

Consistency and setting of clear boundaries are also crucial in addressing the knotty problem of verbal aggression in children. Parents, caregivers, and educators should establish clear rules and consequences for aggressive verbal behaviours at homes and schools, ensuring children understand what is expected of them. By working together, parents, caregivers, and educators can help children develop essential life skills, including emotional regulation, empathy, and effective communication, thereby reducing the likelihood of verbal aggression. 

In addition, parents and caregivers can use various strategies to promote positive verbal behaviours, such as praising and rewarding children for using respectful language, active listening, and empathy. By focusing on positive reinforcement, parents and caregivers can encourage children to develop healthy communication skills and reduce verbal aggression. In some African cultures, community-based programmes have been implemented to teach children and adults alike about the importance of respectful communication and conflict resolutions, which has led to a significant reduction in verbal aggression.

In summary, verbal aggression in children is a bad behaviour that should be addressed head-on and eradicated. In adults, verbal aggression can break marital relationships. It can mar the understanding and cooperation of colleagues in the offices. It does not help the global society in any single way to move forward. By teaching children alternative ways to express feelings and needs, promoting social skills, and setting clear boundaries, parents, caregivers, and educators can help children develop essential life skills, including emotional regulation, empathy, and effective communication, thereby reducing verbal aggression in our children.

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