1.3. Describe harmful behaviour that children and young people may demonstrate as a way of coping with their feelings

This guide will help you answer 1.3. Describe harmful behaviour that children and young people may demonstrate as a way of coping with their feelings.

Children and young people often experience a wide range of emotions. At times, they struggle to cope with these feelings. Some may resort to behaviours that are harmful to themselves or others. These actions can be a way for them to express what’s going on inside. Understanding these behaviours can help you in providing appropriate support.

Self-Harm

Self-harm refers to intentional injury inflicted on one’s body. It’s often a way for children to cope with overwhelming emotions. Such behaviour might include:

• Cutting or burning their skin
• Hitting themselves
• Pulling out hair

Self-harm is not about seeking attention. It’s an expression of deep emotional pain. Children and young people may feel a temporary release from their distress through self-harm.

Disordered Eating

Eating disorders are about much more than food. They can involve severe attitudes and behaviours surrounding weight and eating.

Common types include:

• Anorexia nervosa – Restricting food intake
• Bulimia nervosa – Binge eating followed by purging
• Binge eating disorder – Eating large amounts without purging

These disorders are often linked to control. Children and young people may use food to feel a sense of power over one aspect of their lives when everything else feels beyond their control.

Aggressive Behaviour

Some children might express their feelings through aggression. They may react violently because they feel threatened or cannot articulate their feelings better.

Aggression can manifest as:

• Physical violence towards others
• Destruction of property
• Verbal outbursts

This behaviour might be a misguided attempt to gain a sense of security or to be heard when conventional communication seems ineffective.

Substance Abuse

Using drugs or alcohol can be another way children try to escape feelings of sadness, anxiety, or despair. Substance abuse provides temporary relief from difficult emotions.

Signs may include:

• Changes in behaviour or mood
• Withdrawal from family and friends
• Decline in school performance

Children and young people using substances as coping mechanisms risk addiction and long-term health problems.

Withdrawal and Isolation

Some children might withdraw from social interactions. They isolate themselves as a way to cope with their emotions. This behaviour can be as harmful as physical self-harm because it deprives them of healthy support systems.

Look for signs such as:

• Spending excessive time alone
• Avoiding friends and family
• Loss of interest in activities they used to enjoy

Isolation can lead to feelings of loneliness and depression. It becomes a cycle that is hard to break without intervention.

Risky Behaviour

Engaging in risky activities can be a coping mechanism. Young people might seek the thrill of danger to distract themselves from their emotions.

Examples of risky behaviour include:

• Reckless driving or cycling
• Experimenting with drugs or alcohol
• Engaging in unsafe sexual practices

Risk-taking can provide a temporary distraction from emotional pain. However, it often leads to more problems, including legal issues and health risks.

Excessive Digital Use

Spending excessive time online, whether gaming or on social media, can be a way to avoid real-life problems.

Signs of excessive digital use include:

• Neglecting responsibilities
• Reduced physical activity
• Significant changes in sleep patterns

While being online may offer a temporary escape, it can lead to addiction and further isolation from real-world relationships.

Impact on Mental Health

Harmful behaviours can have numerous negative effects on mental health. They not only harm the children themselves but also impact their families and communities. Recognising these behaviours early can help in finding healthier coping strategies.

Role of Support Systems

Support from friends, family, and professionals can make a significant difference. Open communication and understanding are key. Approaching these issues with compassion and patience can lead to more effective support.

Conclusion

Recognising the signs of harmful behaviour is the first step. Providing support and promoting healthy coping mechanisms is essential. Encouraging children and young people to express their feelings in constructive ways can prevent these harmful behaviours from taking root.

Empower them with tools to manage their emotions. This can lead to healthier outcomes not just for them, but for their communities as well. If you notice any of these behaviours, seek help from a mental health professional immediately.