Butler offers series on kids’ aggression, self-control issues

As part of its professional education programs in psychiatry, Butler Hospital is offering a series of lectures focused on bullying, sexual aggression and self-control issues in children and adolescents on Sept. 17, Oct. 29 and Nov. 19.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2003, 5 percent of students ages 12 to 18 reported being victims of theft and violent incidents, and 10 percent of rural students and 7 percent of suburban students reported being bullied.
Psychological studies have shown that children who display aggressive behavior have trouble accurately identifying and interpreting social cues from peers, and they may see hostile intent in neutral situations. They also generate fewer solutions to problems, expect to be rewarded for their aggressive responses, and can be more easily influenced by TV violence.
This lecture series will explore the cause-and-effect relationships between executive functioning, neurological development, social development and aggressive behavior and bullying. The sessions will also look at the effects of external influences on young people such
as computer games and violence in the media, as well as the role of alcohol in aggressive behavior and poor decision-making.
Each program will be held in the Ray Conference Room at Butler, 345 Blackstone Blvd., from 3 to 4:30 p.m., be moderated by Dr. Charles Staunton, and feature a presentation by experts in the field followed by a panel discussion and a question-and-answer session.
The lecture schedule is: Sept. 17, “Bullies, Victims and Witnesses”; Oct. 29, “Understanding and Working With Sexually Aggressive Youth”; and Nov. 19, “The Development of Self-Control: Neuropsychological Perspectives.”
To register or for more information, visit www.butler.org.