Causes for behavioral problems at school | The causes of behavioral problems in children

Causes for behavioral problems at school

In school, the term behavioral disorder is primarily used to describe disruptive behavior, i.e., children who show so-called hyperkinetic abnormalities and loudly and inappropriately obstruct classroom instruction. Additional learning difficulties often occur. Antisocial disorders and anxiety disorders also belong to the behavioural disorders, but are less obvious.

Causes in puberty

That genetic factors play a role in the development of behavioral disorders is not proven, but very likely. Many families report that, for example, the father of a conspicuous child was also a “troublemaker” at school and his father before him. Others speak of a certain “temperament” that is inherited in the family.

Reliable studies on this do not yet exist. Apart from the genes, the upbringing could also (co-)justify these family clusters. However, when comparing children who come from similar backgrounds and were raised in a similar way, some develop behavioral problems, others do not.

This would again suggest a genetic influence. In the same way, there are also children with and without behavioural problems within families, which suggests an environmental factor as a trigger. The truth is probably in between and needs further investigation.

Causes in education

Educational and pedagogical measures are the most effective treatment methods for behavioral problems. This means, conversely, that the wrong upbringing could trigger or at least modulate the disorders. In fact, in cases of neglect and violence, it is clear where the children’s problems come from.

However, most parents of children with behavioral problems are affectionate and concerned about the “troublemaker”, so they do not provide a reason for assuming a bad upbringing. Nevertheless, unconscious omissions, such as lack of structure and communication, can encourage behavioral problems. The children feel neglected and have no orientation if there are no rules or if these rules are not followed consistently.

Fears and insecurities can turn into aggression and overtax the parental patience. Because many other children do not need this special combination of severity and understanding, parents are usually not aware of this. However, if they are cooperative and take part in parent training, these strategies can be implemented in education and have an enormous effect, especially on younger children.