‘Dog fights’ can seriously harm children
A local psychologist gives insights on the consequences of children exposed to aggressive behaviour.
Imitating dogs fighting can have serious psychological consequences on the children involved.
The Addie contacted a local psychologist after the breaking news of children who allegedly imitated dog fights during playtime at a Springs primary school in June 2014.
The psychologist, who prefers not to be named for professional reasons, says this behaviour is socially unacceptable and is part of a sick sub-culture in society.
He feels there is no harm done to the children if it is only normal role play by acting as dogs.
However, if the children start biting and tearing each other as the story stated, it can lead to serious psychological problems.
Acting as dogs, like growling, biting and scratching their opponents, isn’t normal social behaviour and the psychologist believes it is against the norm and standards of society.
“This kind of behaviour creates a culture of aggression, which needs to be stopped,” he says.
The psychologist suggests cognitive behaviour therapy to the children exposed to this type of behaviour.
The child needs to understand that these actions are unacceptable and the job of the psychologist is to help change the child’s way of thinking about the consequences of their aggressive actions.
“The prognosis is not good if parents are involved.”
In situations where the parents are involved they too need to be convinced that this is against the norm of society and they do great harm to their children.
“The welfare should be contacted to assist the family,” he says.
With regards to the story of the children at a Springs primary school, he was shocked to hear the allegation that the winner had the right to “mate” with a younger child.
“If it happens this strengthens the child’s aggressive behaviour.”
He says if this is true, and young girls are involved in the “mating” process, it can have serious implications in both boys’ and girls’ lives.
“Aggressive early sexual development can have serious implications on the children’s future sexual life,” he says.
His advice to the community is to immediately contact a social worker.
He believes teachers should also be involved by explaining the risks of this behaviour and that it is illegal.
