Between 2008 and 2012 domestic assaults committed by children and teenagers, both males and females, aged from ten to seventeen years rose by 6.5%.
Experts have indicated two key reasons behind this increase:
- The broadcasting of fights on social media.
- The undermining of parental authority in many homes.
The filming of fights normalises that behaviour because it gives the impression that it is common and acceptable.
Parenting techniques in which parents try to be friends with their children rather than mentors may also have a role to play. In some instances social media is supplanting the influence of parents.
There is also a cultural influence in which violence is glorified for teenagers, such as in movies and in sporting arenas.
Many teenagers are viewing aggression as a ”normal” part of life.
Victims of domestic violence, physical assault or other serious crimes call 1800 000 055 or go to www.victimsofcrime.com.au or email: support@victimsofcrime.com.au for support and advice.
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