Omur Kurt
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Successive school attacks have left our society faced with an extraordinary situation. Children are involved in violence and threaten the lives of other children. So, what causes this and what is the solution? Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist Prof. Dr. I asked Eyüp Sabri Ercan.
'AGGRESSION IS REWARDED'
- Why do children resort to violence?
There is no single reason for this. Our behavior has biological bases, and the good and bad psychological factors we are exposed to direct our behavior. For example, children who grow up without love and attention are much more prone to aggression or other mental disorders. The environment we live in also affects our behavior. Factors such as violence and rudeness not being considered odd, and aggression not being punished but rewarded in that society are decisive in our behavior. The most common manifestations of the spread of violence among young people are that children do not believe in justice as a result of taking adults as a model and that they take refuge in school gangs, groups, organizations or older brothers to ensure their own justice. When there is no trust in justice in society, it is very difficult for such armed attacks against children and adolescents to stop.
- What could be the reason for children's despair?
If a child does not feel that he can look to his future with hope by continuing his education successfully and working hard, he begins to look for other ways. The thought "Even if I work and study, I won't be able to find a good job anyway" or "Even if I find a job, I won't have a decent standard of living" encourages children to be negative. In some children, this situation causes symptoms such as excessive addiction to computer games or introversion, while in others, this situation leads them to enter dangerous ways such as betting, where they hope to make money easily. Worse still, they may turn to gangs where they think they will gain a luxurious life the easy way. While the lack of equality of opportunity and income inequality break social ties, the first to fall into the trap in a society where ties are broken are children. Socio-economic research reveals that crime rates and violent tendencies also increase in societies where income inequality increases.
'MEDIA ENCOURAGES VIOLENCE'
- What is the impact of the media on children becoming involved in violence?
The media has a broadcast flow that portrays violence and violent organizations as symbols of power, charisma and social status and "encourages violence". The mysterious love of the supposedly good-hearted mafia members, their helpfulness, the luxury cars they drive and the respect they receive in society are etched into the souls of people, especially young minds, every day. On the other hand, violent computer games and unlimited and uncontrolled use of social media also lead children to violence.
- What about parents?
Of course, it is a fact that children who are exposed to negative child-raising strategies and domestic violence also turn to violence at school. The majority of children who bully at school are children who are also victims of bullying. Children who come from families or societies where disrespect is a symbol of self-confidence, rudeness and disregard for people are a symbol of power, repeat these behaviors. The secret to being a good parent is to be a good person.
- Parents cannot control violence against their children. What does this lead to?
Children who are neglected for a long time and whose mental disorders are covered up begin to harm first their families and then those around them. Looking for excuses for children's aggressive behavior, self-defenses such as "He is young, he does not have a psychiatric disorder", and wrong suggestions such as "Don't take the beautiful child to a psychiatrist at this age" are not correct.
- So, what is the solution?
When parents notice symptoms such as sudden introversion in their children, getting angry easily, not wanting to go to school, intense interest in tools such as firearms and knives, revenge language, bullying, hopelessness, changes in sleep and appetite, disruption of daily routines, excessive fondness for the internet and games, they should immediately consult experts and seek support. Studies on bullying should be carried out together with the school administration, guidance service, teachers and families, and children should be informed about the use of social media and cyber bullying. If the parents think that the child's friend is not suitable for their child, they should end this friendship immediately. TV series, movies and computer games that encourage violence should be removed immediately. Criminal organizations should be monitored, and activity on social media and mainstream media should be restricted. Access to weapons and children's use of digital screens must be controlled. Income distribution must be regulated, equality of opportunity must be ensured and belief in justice must be increased. Children and young people should be directed to areas such as sports, art and music.
TRY IT AT HOME
book label
This week, prepare special labels to stick on your books with the children. Thus, the bond between them and books will be strengthened.
BOOK OF THE WEEK
“My Big Problems” is a book that will help children who have problems with mathematics.
Publisher: Doğan Çocuk Author: Burcu Haboğlu Father Illustrated by: Doğan Gençsoy Age: 8+ Pages: 80
EVENT OF THE WEEK
Cat Museum
There are beautiful works of art about cats and their history in the Cat Museum. Kids will love it.
Location: Istanbul-Beşiktaş
Date: Open every day except Monday
Time: 10.00-20.00
