In today’s schools, incidents where children hurt one another using sharp objects, sticks, or even toy weapons are becoming increasingly common. In many schools, children are found carrying knives, toy pistols, or sharp items in their bags. In some families, children are being used in criminal activities. These developments force us to pause and reflect — where are we going wrong?
Anger Is Not Inborn, It Is Learned
Children are not born violent. They learn anger, aggression, and intolerance from their surroundings. When a child constantly witnesses quarrels, physical punishment, harsh language, or emotional neglect, anger begins to shape their personality.
Schools, parents, teachers, society, media, and digital platforms all play a role in shaping a child’s emotional world. If we fail to guide children properly, anger slowly replaces curiosity, empathy, and joy.
What Happens When Anger Controls a Child?
A child overwhelmed by anger:
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Cannot concentrate on studies
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Struggles to understand lessons
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Becomes impulsive and reactive
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Finds it difficult to form healthy friendships
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Loses emotional balance
Learning requires calmness, curiosity, and security. Anger destroys all three.
Parents, Teachers, and Society Must Introspect
Instead of immediately blaming children, we must examine our own behaviour.
Parents today are busy, stressed, and often emotionally unavailable. Teachers are burdened with administrative duties and pressure to complete syllabi. Society celebrates aggression through television, mobile games, and social media. Children absorb all of this silently.
When adults lose patience easily, shout, or use violence, children internalise the same behaviour.
The Role of Digital Exposure
Unrestricted mobile phone usage is another serious concern. Violent games, aggressive videos, and abusive language on social media deeply affect a child’s emotional development. Without guidance, children begin to normalise aggression and impulsive behaviour.
Children need supervision, conversation, and emotional bonding — not just gadgets to keep them busy.
Discipline Does Not Mean Punishment
Discipline should be rooted in understanding, not fear. When children make mistakes, they need guidance, not humiliation. Fear-based discipline creates anger, not improvement.
A child who is constantly scolded or beaten does not become disciplined — they become resentful.
Emotional Education Is as Important as Academic Education
We teach mathematics, science, and languages — but how often do we teach:
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How to handle anger?
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How to express emotions?
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How to resolve conflicts peacefully?
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How to empathise with others?
Without emotional education, academic success becomes hollow.
What Can Be Done?
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Parents must spend quality time with children
Listening is more powerful than lecturing. -
Teachers must become emotional guides, not just instructors
A calm teacher can transform an angry child. -
Schools should include emotional learning activities
Yoga, meditation, storytelling, and group discussions help children regulate emotions. -
Limit and monitor digital consumption
Children need boundaries, not unlimited screen time. -
Encourage sports, arts, and creativity
Physical and creative activities channel anger into positive energy.
A Calm Mind Is the Foundation of Learning
A child who feels safe, heard, and respected learns naturally. Anger blocks intelligence, but compassion unlocks it.
If we want our children to grow into responsible, balanced citizens, we must first create environments where anger is understood, not ignored — and where love, patience, and guidance take priority over fear and punishment.
Let us remember:
When anger takes over a child’s heart, education silently walks out.
