Page 35 - Social Norms Survey

at this age, with examinations determining whether a child will receive a placement

in secondary school, and there is peer pressure. These circumstances all contribute as
stressors to pre-teen children and teenagers. Many of these adolescents express a need

to share their feelings, fears, anger and insecurities at this age, but have few outlets apart
from social media and each other for expressing themselves.

Data from a cohort study of 12-year-old children showed that those who were exposed

to violence, particularly as victims, displayed externalising behaviour. A previous paper,
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describing children’s experiences of violence in detail, indicated that their experiences as

witnesses to violence occurred chiefly in communities, but their experience as victims of
violence, apart from sexual violence, occurred primarily at school. 17

Children who exhibit conduct disturbances at a very young age, who are not securely

attached, and whose intellectual development is lagging, tend to have extreme reactions
to stress. Without significant protective factors, such as parental care and guidance,
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school supervision, and communication and psychosocial engagement, school-aged
children may not learn how to control anger, aggression and impulsive behaviour (see

above reference to brain development). Extensive research from developed countries has
confirmed that early and positive parenting interventions can contribute to improvements

in the three child-risk factors. 19

BEHAVIOUR CHANGE
Behaviour change strategies are intended to address changes in knowledge, attitudes

and practices. These strategies must be implemented at both individual and societal/
community levels and must be so designed that they appeal to, motivate and trigger

change in individuals and in groups.

Achieving behaviour change is a multi-disciplinary effort. It involves practices and ways of
thinking to which no one profession can claim expertise. Initiatives to facilitate the desired

behaviour change may include:
• Organisational change

• Infrastructure design
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19 Ibid.

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