The recent release of a video showing a brutal assault on a teenage girl has sparked deep concern and reminded us of the urgent problem of violence and aggression among children and adolescents.This case served as a disturbing wake-up call to society about how serious and widespread these issues are, particularly under conditions of war, chronic stress, and social instability.
In such circumstances, teenagers — like younger children — are often left without adequate attention, especially in regard to their psychological needs. This lack of support can provoke aggressive or destructive behaviors that are difficult to address without a systemic approach.
In collaboration with partners, we have developed and continue to implement the project “Support for Children’s Mental Health in the De-occupied Territories of Ukraine.” This vital initiative aims to address pressing issues and lay a foundation for the psychological well-being of the younger generation, particularly in terms of recovery from traumatic experiences.
From the very beginning of the project — even before the video gained public attention — we had already been preparing professionals to work with aggression, both their own and that of children. Through supervision sessions, participants had the opportunity to explore the nature of aggression, its causes, and methods of psychosocial support to reduce harmful aggressive behaviors.
One participant shared a personal experience that exemplifies the daily challenges adults face when dealing with aggressive adolescents. After attending a training session, she was on her way home by trolleybus when she witnessed a group of teenagers (around 14 years old) behaving aggressively — breaking social norms, using obscene language, and showing no regard for the presence of a small girl and her mother.
When the participant tried to intervene, the situation escalated: the teens became even more defiant. She felt a strong urge to respond with aggression herself. Once outside the vehicle, she saw the same group physically attack one of their peers, leaving most passengers feeling helpless. This real-life situation became a key case for group discussion during the supervision:
How should we react when we witness aggression among children?
How do we manage our own emotional responses and respond without harming ourselves or others?
When children or adolescents display aggression, it’s crucial to understand that such situations call not only for immediate response but also for a deeper analysis of their underlying causes. Every case is unique, but contributing factors can include family issues, peer pressure, or environmental stressors. In wartime Ukraine, aggression may also stem from emotional tension, anxiety, or the absence of supportive adult figures.
Due to Russia’s aggression, most of the legal rights of Ukrainian children have been violated. In such conditions, children and teenagers may lose their sense of acceptable boundaries and fail to realize that aggressive behavior has serious consequences. It’s important to remember that we, the adults, model behavior. How we treat aggression becomes the standard they internalize.
During the project’s supervision sessions, participants explored this theme using Anthony Burgess’s famous novel A Clockwork Orange, which illustrates how youth violence can become normalized in society. In the book, young people engage in brutal acts while adults often ignore or even condone such behavior — creating a vicious cycle. It is a stark reminder of how social environments shape youth behavior.
That’s why one of the core components of the project “Support for Children’s Mental Health in the De-occupied Territories of Ukraine” is the implementation of awareness-raising and preventive interventions addressing violence and aggression — from families to schools to community organizations. These efforts aim to increase awareness, shift attitudes, and foster environments where violence is neither accepted nor legitimized.
The approach demonstrated by our project participant also shows that in difficult situations, it is essential to seek support from colleagues or professionals who can help devise further steps. We must remember that we are not alone in these challenges — and help is available.
Participants who serve in the police emphasized that in situations where aggression escalates in public places, such as on public transport, it’s appropriate to call the police via 102. There is no need to wait for them to arrive — an anonymous report describing the children, their behavior, the bus number, and where they got off is often enough to initiate a response. This kind of action contributes to creating a safer environment and helps prevent further escalation of violence.
It is essential not to ignore such behavior.
Equally important is the need to take care of ourselves — self-care is a key part of responding to today’s challenges. Caring for ourselves on a daily basis enables us to better cope with both current and future difficulties, and to maintain our inner balance.
The project “Support for Children’s Mental Health in the De-occupied Territories of Ukraine” is implemented by the Global Health Program at Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard University (USA) in partnership with Community Self-Help NGO.
