IT is widely acknowledged that violence begets violence, but do we really understand its profound impact on Pakistan’s children? When figures of authority, often viewed as role models by the youth, resort to brutality, exhibit dishonesty in their profession, and normalise disrespect towards ordinary citizens, what subtle messages are we instilling in impressionable young minds? By allowing acts of violence to go unpunished and, in some cases, even rewarding them, what kind of society are we fostering?

Witnessing a police officer slapping a woman or dragging her by the hair as she asserts her basic rights fills me with overwhelming sadness. I think back to the Pakistan of my youth, where women and girls were treated with respect in public spaces. My concern is not whether Pakistani women can withstand such brutality, for their strength and bravery are undeniable. Rather, I worry about the enduring impact of such violence on our younger generations and the values we impart to them.

Children exposed to violence within their homes may perceive it as a normalised aspect of life, and are likely to perpetuate this cycle of abuse within their own families. Without adequate guidance on conflict resolution and non-violent alternatives, they may resort to aggression as a means of asserting control. When violence is normalised within society, it can potentially have tragic consequences, as evidenced by incidents of mob violence and vigilantism. The prevalence of such brutality, particularly among the youth, is evident in recent episodes of burning and lynching individuals under the pretext of religion, showcasing a disturbing trend that reflects poorly on our nation in the eyes of the world.

While aggression is indeed a basic human trait and a mechanism for survival, societies establish boundaries for acceptable behaviour, with cultural and moral values playing a significant role. Determining when aggression crosses into pathological territory is pivotal. Aggression can be impulsive, driven by emotions, or it can be premeditated and calculated. Both exacerbate the consequences.

Children exposed to domestic violence may continue the cycle of abuse.

Anecdotes, such as one shared by a friend, leave one appalled. This particular story concerned an adolescent aggressively telling his teacher in class that the city now belonged to him because of his father’s electoral victory, which he knew to be controversial. One dreads the thought of such children being in charge of Pakistan’s future. We must educate parents about the grave repercussions of exposing children to violence in any form.

A child’s psychological and behavioral development relies on various factors, including hereditary and environmental influences. From early interactions within the family to later experiences in school and the community, each encounter shapes a child’s worldview. In addition, today’s digital world media assumes a substantial role in shaping a child’s behavioral development.

In the list of risk factors leading to aggression among children and adolescents are genetic predisposition and brain injury (which could be congenital or traumatic); exposure to violence at home, in school or within the community; being a victim of child abuse or bullying; ready access to firearms, including those kept at home; and the use of drugs and alcohol. Also, socioeconomic factors and watching violence on digital media cannot be ignored. Research has shown violent behaviour in children can only be reduced when these risk factors are reduced to a minimum. A child can be a witness to violence, a victim of violence or a perpetrator. Therefore, the factor under our control that needs to be re­­d­uced significan­tly or eliminated is the ex­­posure of our children to violence at home, in the community and through the media.

The detrimental effects of exposure to violence on the mental health of children and adolescents cannot be overstated. Witnessing or experiencing violence can lead to various mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. If signs of violent behaviour are observed in one’s child, and in the presence of any risk factors, seeking professional guidance is imperative. Whether through paediatricians or mental health experts, interventions aimed at imparting anger management skills and fostering empathy are essential for preventing harm.

Central to our efforts is the need for leaders to prioritise the well-being and mental health of our youth. Through collective action, we must strive to create a society where violence is unequivocally condemned and children are taught positive values and conflict-resolution skills. Let us endeavour to build a future where our children can grow up in a safe and nurturing environment, free from the hovering shadows of violence and fear.

The writer is a paediatrician at AKUH.

X: @kishwarenam

Published in Dawn, March 16th, 2024