Importance of communication in reducing adolescent violence

Abstract

A number of methods to reduce violence have been developed; however, they are not always effective. Special attention is devoted to the prevention of violence among adolescents and the explanation of the consequences of harmful habits to their health. The aim of the investigation is to evaluate the importance of drama games to the communication between adolescents. As many as 24 adolescents of different ages who are being treated for dependence on psychoactive substances took part in the investigation. Drama games were made use of in the investigation. During the game the adolescents were taught how to behave when communicating with one another and how to deal with awkward and conflict situations. It was established that as many as one the fourth of the adolescents witnessed acts of violence in their family or at school without taking part in them. More than half the adolescents have confronted with the acts of violence and one the third of the adolescents have committed acts of violence themselves. Boys more often choose violence. One the fourth of the girls observed violence but did not take part in it. One the third of the adolescents found the game activities attractive and understandable, whereas the preventative measure was inefficient for the remaining part. Games had a positive impact on the development to communication skills. After the games the behaviour of the adolescents in different situations differed statistically significantly, cases when conflicts were handled in a peaceful way became more frequent.