Why Do Most Behavior Problems Spring Up Around Middle School?
The K-12 education system is the public education system in the United States that is comprised of thirteen grades from kindergarten up to 12th grade. If you will take a moment to notice the behavior of students, you will see that attitude problems mostly affect those who are in middle school. Young boys and girls usually exhibit problematic behaviors such as stealing, lying, fighting, using bad language, skipping class, and bullying. They display aggressive actions due to various reasons.
However, the main reason for such problematic behaviors is the hormonal change in the body of these students. As they grow older, their bodies develop causing them to have body hair, pimples, and other physical changes. Aside from the increase in height and weight, hormones also contribute in the development of mood swings. Young boys and girls around the ages of ten, eleven, and twelve, in particular, develop these mood swings.
The teenage years are a formative part of the life of every individual. Nonetheless, the continuous transformation that young boys and girls endure usually provokes negative behavioral issues and poor attitude. A lot of them experience anxiety and low self esteem; but in order for them to hide this uncomfortable phase of transition and change, they create a different persona. They try to show people that they are not who they think they are.
However, instead of improving their psychological, social, and emotional problems, this creation of a different personal actually makes them even more anxious and distressed. They struggle with self-confidence, and they take a lot of risks. They lose their ability to focus and think of the possible consequences of their actions. They become too emotional and unreasonable. In fact, most students in the K-12 education system do things that they regret later on.
Both parents and school leaders should understand this uncomfortable phase that students undergo. Instead of immediately judging them, they should talk to them and know their problems. Instead of giving them harsh punishments and disciplinary actions, they should allow them to do activities that might boost their self-esteem as well as to mingle properly with their peers. Together, they should find ways that will improve the decision-making and critical thinking skills of these students.
If the parents fail to request for a meeting, the teachers involved with the K-12 education system should initiate a meeting to discuss putting the students in specialized behavioral programs. These programs are designed to help young boys and girls improve their attitude. They combine behavior adjustment with focus on academics; thus creating a structured environment that will help them perform better at school and graduate with flying colors.
Students with less severe behavioral problems can be placed in disciplinary programs of the school. After several failed attempts of counseling and providing wholesome activities to these students, the school authorities can reprimand them with consequences such as suspension, community service, or detention. In order to foster more successful results, the parents should support the decisions of the school authorities while doing their best to communicate with their son or daughter regarding this matter.
Every parent and teacher should know that giving punishments without consideration does not directly address the reason for the behavior of troubled students in middle school. Before they carry out certain punishments, they should try less severe means such as counseling. Improper disciplinary actions can actually make the student more socially, emotionally, and mentally distressed. Parents and teachers should work hand in hand for the betterment of young boys and girls. They should strive for the best in order to protect the welfare of these young students.