The growing problem in recent years, both globally and in Poland, of aggressive behavior and violence among children and adolescents is a troubling phenomenon that requires the implementation of numerous, multifaceted, and widespread preventive measures, preventative, and therapeutic measures.

To carry out these measures effectively, it is necessary to conduct broad, extensive educational campaigns and programs in this area that reach the entire society, but particularly children, adolescents, parents, entire families, guardians, teachers, and educators.

The state, with all its institutions—including central and local authorities, local government agencies, social welfare agencies, educational institutions, legal bodies, the entire healthcare system, as well as all nongovernmental organizations and the media in the broadest sense. Educational programs and campaigns addressing aggression and violence among and against children and adolescents should be clear, consistent, persuasive, and reach all target audiences. For this to happen, in addition to highlighting the severity and harmfulness of the problem, they must include key elements grounded in sound scientific evidence, such as: explaining and defining concepts and causes, identifying symptoms, methods for early detection, and strategies for protection, prevention, and treatment. Every viewer of these programs should receive guidance on how to deal with aggressive individuals as well as with their own aggression, and on ways to help victims of aggression and violence in all its forms. As a nation and a society, we must act quickly, broadly, and collectively to prevent and combat this rapidly escalating problem.

We should recognize and acknowledge that the problem of aggression and violence among, as well as against, children and adolescents is growing and becoming an epidemic of the 21st century. The statistics on the scale of this phenomenon are alarming and distressing.

  • According to UNICEF’s Global Annual Results Report 2024, 1.6 billion children—representing approximately two-thirds of the world’s children—experience aggression or psychological violence from caregivers each year, and among them, about two-thirds experience both physical and psychological abuse.
  • UNICEF data from 2024 indicate that approximately 259,000 children worldwide were in detention or prison. In 2024, the UN reported 41,370 violations of children’s rights in 26 conflict zones around the world, a 25% increase compared to 2023.
  • American studies show that approximately 10% of children and adolescents exhibit a spectrum of aggressive disorders, and only 20% of them receive appropriate help and treatment.
  • In Poland, according to 2023 data from the National Health Fund (NFZ) and the “Dajemy dzieciom siłę” Foundation, 79% of children and adolescents have experienced peer violence or violence from adults at least once in their lives.
  • Among them, 66% of children report having experienced violence from peers, and 32% from close adults. In 2023, 17,000 Polish children experienced domestic violence.
  • According to data from the Ministry of Family Affairs in Poland, 19% of children experienced physical abuse, 18% psychological abuse, 9% economic abuse, and 8% sexual abuse.

Conclusions drawn from the latest data show a massive increase in the problem of aggression and violence among and against children and adolescents, both in Poland and worldwide. It should be noted that peer aggression and violence are on the rise in Poland, becoming an increasingly widespread social problem.

The OliEdu Foundation for Civic Education is implementing a public health initiative titled “School Without Violence – Together for Health! Promoting Mental Health by Preventing Peer Violence,” details of which can be found at: School Without Violence | OliEdu – Civic Education Foundation

Author:
Marta Czubaj-Kowal, M.D., Ph.D. —Pediatrician, Specialist in Pediatric Diseases, Specialist in Cardiology, Head of the Pediatric Ward at the Stefan Żeromski Specialist Hospital in Kraków