Main Factors That Cause Children to Be Violent

Violent behavior in children could be caused by many issues. As children are growing up, it is important for each child to have positive role models. A child needs to learn how negative actions can have an impact on the course of his life. Four major factors may contribute to a violent child.

Poor Attachment Relationships

• According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, if the child never formed attachment with parents at infancy due to absent parents or being orphaned, it is possible she may develop violent behavior in the future. As the child grows older, she may need constant reinforcement from positive adults in order to combat this lack of attachment. If a child is already showing violent behavior due to lack of attachment, appeal to her common sense. Let the child know how violent behavior will affect her in a negative way.

Child Abuse/Neglect

• If sexual or physical abuse has happened to the child, anger and violent behavior may manifest itself in the child's actions. Extensive therapy needs to take place in order for the child to deal with the trauma.

Domestic Violence

• Even if a child is not getting personally abused, he may develop violent behavior if he sees it in the household. If domestic violence is occurring in the child's household, the best option for him is to obtain counseling or be removed from the home.

Violent Environment

• A child who sees gang activity and violence throughout her neighborhood may be likely to exhibit this behavior also. It is important to reinforce positive values with children who grow up in a violent neighborhood. Removing the child from a negative neighborhood and encouraging involvement in school activities will help.