Communication experts in Enugu have expressed dismay over the rising aggression and violence among Nigerian children.
They disclosed this on Tuesday in Enugu at their fourth Annual Colloquium themed ‘Unrestrained Aggression – A Highway to Extreme Violence and Panacea to Challenges’.
A communication expert with the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF), Hilary Ozoh, noted that aggression among children was a serious issue that posed a big challenge to society.
He explained that curbing aggression had become imperative because children’s experiences of aggression stayed with them through to adulthood, with knock-on effects for the next generation.
According to him, one in every five children manifests aggressive behaviour.
“If we have 40 children, eight out of them will definitely manifest symptoms of aggression. Be it verbal or violent aggressions. It gets worse if not contained, especially if one grows into adulthood,” he warned.
The UNICEF representative added, “Violence at home can make children learn aggressive behaviour, especially parents that practise it.”
Mr Ozoh listed life experience, family structure, social-economic issues and mental health as the factors causing aggression and violence.
In her opening remarks, the event’s chairwoman and former Anambra information commissioner Stella Okunna emphasised the need to help children manage their anger.
“They could be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and at that point, their anger level will increase if provoked,” she stated.
Ojel Anidi, director at Research and Development, Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), said incessant killing, shooting and kidnapping was a product of aggression.
“Government is spending money to fight violence, but I am of the opinion that we all should go back to our core values and oral transformation of knowledge. This will impact respect in them and make them see violence as evil act,” said Anidi.
In his goodwill message, Ugonna Ibe, Enugu’ commissioner for culture and tourism, said the government, teachers and parents have a crucial role in ending violence.
He urged children to shun consumption of illicit drugs and other illegal associations that could damage their lives.
Earlier, the event’s organiser Chinemerem Anyi said ubiquitous violence in Nigeria moved her to organise the programme.
Ms Anyi, the founder of Relief Pitch Initiative, said there were better ways to resolve issues.
“I was embittered with the situation, and I began to search for the younger ones to teach and reorientate them, letting them know that dialogue is better than violence,” she added.
(NAN)