health [sponsored by]
THE attitude GUIDE
Spotting behavioral issues in school words by The Brain Wave Center
& Dr. Richard Marshall, PACFlorida
There are two broad categories of behavior problems in school. One includes the mischief that most students are capable of (occasionally skipping class, copying someone else’s homework, teasing a classmate); the kinds of things we all did (or thought about doing) while growing up. We refer to these as garden-variety misbehavior. Generally harmless, students do them consciously but without really meaning to hurt anyone. But there is a second category of behavior problems that are more serious and more persistent. Far from being harmless, these behaviors are not only more disruptive, sometimes they are downright dangerous. Fortunately, only a small number of students (about 20%) display these kinds of behaviors. Of this number about 15% pose a significant challenge to teachers and administrators. The remaining 5% suffer 8
from serious mental health conditions and their behavior poses a real threat to the orderly operation of their schools and to the health and safety of teachers as well as other students. It is now well-documented that many students in this group suffer from abuse and neglect, they witness domestic violence, they have been diagnosed with mental illness, and they sometimes live in dangerous areas with high crime rates. In addition to the challenges students with behavior problems pose, it is important to remember that these same students also experience a range of emotional disorders. According to Boston
Children’s Hospital, these emotional symptoms can include: • Easily getting annoyed by others. • Often appears angry. • Puts the blame on others. • Refuses to follow rules; questions/ challenges authority. • Throws temper tantrums. • Has difficulty handling frustration. Disruptive behavioral disorders are complicated and may include many different factors working in combination. For example, students who are oppositional or who can’t regulate their emotions may also have
GULFCOAST FAMILY LIVING
AfterSchool_i3-19.indd 8
7/24/19 5:14 PM