There are different forms of aggressive behavior:
• Physical aggression includes such behaviors as pushing, shoving, hitting, slapping, biting, kicking, hair-pulling, stabbing, shooting, and rape.
This type of aggression is the worst because it may ultimately mean your life.
• Verbal aggression includes threatening and intimidating others and engaging in malicious teasing, taunting, and name-calling.
The second worst type of aggression would be verbal because it is the top cause of low self-esteem among teenagers. It has a lower life threat level but verbal aggression has lead to a large number of teen suicides.
• Indirect aggression includes such behaviors as gossiping, spreading cruel rumors, and encouraging others to reject or exclude someone.
This is the most demeaning type of aggression there is. This is the top cause of lack of self-confidence in teens. It affects his or her life in school and at home.
Simply, if one intentionally tries to hurt another, it is considered as aggression.
According to the National Youth Violence Prevention resource center, almost one in five students in grades 6 to 10 say they have bullied others in the past year.
More than one in three high school students say they have been in a physical fight in the past year and between 30 and 40 percent of male teens and 16 to 32 percent of female teens say they have committed a serious violent offense (e.g., aggravated assault, robbery, gang fights, or rape) by the age of 17.
In addition to all this, we typically look at the aggressor in a bad light. We may be right at some point to dislike the violent ones but aggressors typically have problems of their own. These problems often occur at home as a result, they channel their helplessness and anger once at school.
Their main targets are those who seem weaker than them. It provides the aggressor with satisfaction that they too can overpower another person just as they are overpowered at home.
People often seem to want a simple answer to the question of why some children and teens are more aggressive than others. Some want to blame the parents; others point to the impact of television violence or video games. In fact, the answer is much more complicated.
So instead of fighting or arguing with those who display bad aggressive behavior, it is best to resolve the problem with a counselor.
According to the National Youth Violence Prevention resource center, we can stop bullying. Make a commitment not to contribute to aggression and violence in any way. Do not bully, tease or spread negative gossip about others. Respect others and value differences.
Get involved in your school and community. Volunteer with a community group, play sports, write a play or poem, play a musical instrument, or join a club or after-school program.
Talk with an adult you trust. Do you often feel sad, depressed, angry, fearful, or anxious? Are you having trouble paying attention in school? Are you getting into major arguments and disagreements at school, at home, or with friends? You can get help to feel better. Talk with a parent, counselor, or another adult you trust.
Avoid alcohol and drugs. Stay away from alcohol and drugs as well as people who use them. There is a strong link between the use of alcohol and drugs and aggression.
Learn about ways to resolve arguments and conflicts without resorting to aggression, and encourage your friends to do the same. Many schools, churches, and after-school programs offer training in conflict resolution skills.
Do not carry a gun or other weapons. Carrying a gun is illegal and is not likely to make you safer.
Guns often escalate conflicts and increase the chances that you will be seriously injured. If someone is threatening you and you feel that you are in serious danger, do not take matters into your own hands. Find an adult you can trust and discuss your fears, or contact school administrators or the police. Take precautions for your safety, such as avoiding being alone and staying with a group of friends if possible.
If you know someone is planning to harm someone else, speak with a trusted adult. Most of us have learned from an early age that it is wrong to tattle, but in some instances it is the most courageous thing you can do. Tell a trusted adult, such as a teacher, guidance counselor, principal, or parent. If you are afraid and believe that telling will put you in danger or lead to retaliation, find a way to anonymously contact the authorities.
Take the initiative to reduce aggressive behavior in your school or community. Join an existing group that is promoting non-violence in your school or community, or launch your own effort.
Several of the online resources listed at the end of this document can help you get started. For example, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention’s National Youth Network website (www.usdoj.gov/kidspage/getinvolved) can connect you with national organizations and provide you with information and resources to take action in your community. Learn about effective programs and what other teens are doing around the nation. Find out how to plan and start a program, run a meeting, develop publications, and work with the news media.
(Source: www.safeyouth.org)
