Why can aggression become a serious concern for some children after age seven?

Aggression in children is a complex issue that psychologists evaluate based on developmental appropriateness, frequency, and intensity. While occasional fighting or quarreling over possessions is common in early childhood, aggression can become a serious concern by age seven if it manifests as an extreme and consistent tendency to be aggressive toward others.12

This transition to a serious concern is significant because children who exhibit high levels of aggression by age seven or eight are more likely to remain aggressive later in life. Research indicates that these individuals are three times more likely to have police records as adults and are at a higher risk of engaging in criminal behavior, spousal aggression, or the abuse of their own children.2

While biological factors can contribute to these behaviors, the child's social environment is critical. High levels of aggression are often associated with:2
* Inconsistent or extreme use of physical punishment by parents.2
* Extreme parental permissiveness toward a child's aggressive acts.2
* Exposure to conflict, neglect, or violence within the home.23

Addressing these behaviors often involves teaching parents to enforce rules consistently and utilize effective, nonpunitive methods of control.2