How To Correct A Young Abuse Offender's Behavior

[Lionheart]

There is a video that is circulating on FaceBook that shows a young boy of approximately 7-9 years of age, (I'm guessing here), hitting, slapping, choking, and drop-kicking a little girl less than half his age, in a day care setting. The little girl is in a walker so she isn't very old, but anyway...

... judging by the reactions, a lot of people said they would react to this boys behavior with more violence, beatings, etc

I am of the opinion that this little boy needs more help than a simple spanking could give him, and more violent treatment would have the opposite effect on him, making him more, rather than less violent. I think the boy is either a victim of violence or has witnessed violent abuse, and that this is what led to his behavior.

It seems obvious to me that the little boy (as well as the victim) needs professional treatment/help, but my question is what do we as adults, parents, day-care workers do when confronting a situation such as this. etc.
and what if anything can be done to prevent such abuses from occurring among our young people?

Abuse is sad and sickening whenever it occurs, but to see it in someone so young is especially disturbing to me and I thought I would bring up the topic for discussion. What do we do, and what do the professionals do, to ensure things like this don't happen?

 

[WillyKat]

I agree that it requires investigation. What is it exactly that's causing him to be violent? I agree with you that he's probably learned this behavior first hand.

It's really sad that this surfaced on FB, but on the other hand, it's possible that if it didn't get posted, it might remain hidden, and this kid might go on being violent for his whole life. Here's an opportunity to turn him in a better direction.

 

[Lady of Longbourn]

Here's an opportunity to turn him in a better direction.

My only worry with that is he is a bit young for his whole life to be viral on Facebook. When he gets older and understands more I can't see how much good that will be, seeing that video or those comments. I get that often things change for the good when the internet is involved but I feel it can cause some damage too.

I hope he does get better and I hope someone gets him help.

 

[Viosinger]

I worked in a preschool for a few years. Teachers have to keep up on annual training on abuse, how to handle difficult children, safety, positive & negative reinforcement, appropriate consequences, etc. I haven't seen the video, but have seen very violent children before. Sometimes, abuse can be a factor. But I've seen much more commonly where family upheaval like death or difficult divorce, or undiagnosed sensory issues or autistic spectrum is at play.

The child should be observed by a psychologist and have an occupational therapy consult. The work that can happen with simple changes can be amazing.

 

[Barconian]

With patience!!! No child wants to be told they are "bad" If they get told often enough, they will become "bad" Lead by example is the only way to lead!