Violence is a learned behavior
There is a strong connection between the use of violence and exposure to violence by young adolescents and children. Violence is a learned behavior according to a new study published by researchers at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center in 2000. According to Robert H. Durant, vice chair of paediatrics at Wake Forest University School of medicine, he stated that adolescents are not likely to engage in violence if social learning from exposure to violence does not occur.
Children and adolescents are very much exposed to violence and carrying weapons. There are several ways that children learn violent behaviors. For instance, family, peer groups, community, and their neighborhoods can be ways where children can get exposed. Moreover, what children and adolescents see on television, music video, video games and movies can reinforce negative behaviors of children.
The researchers asked 722 Georgia middle school students, 11 and 12 years olds living in or around public housing, how many times they had been exposed to or a victim of violence in their communities. In this experiment, DuRant defined that violence can be categorized in five different types; participating in a physical fight which resulted in seeking medical attention, attacking someone with a weapon, using a weapon to force or get money or things from someone, carrying a concealed firearm, and carrying another weapon such as a razor or knife. It is not surprising that they behave aggressively or violent to others when they are physically or sexually abused.
Every child that sees violence at home, in school, or watches violent movies too much or plays too much video games. Violence can come from many different sources. Violence is all around us. If we are not careful out adolescents and children, they will be probably and potentially violent criminals. It is our responsibility as parents to provide the best future for our kids.
References
Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center. (2000, November 9). Violence Is A Learned Behavior, Say Researchers At Wake Forest University. ScienceDaily. Retrieved November 27, 2016 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2000/11/001106061128.htm