Parents of secondary school children have been given advice on how to cope with their violent teenagers.

Social worker and psychotherapist Dr John Sharry said there are many steps a parent can take in order to try and solve problems of violence in the household from angry children.

Writing in the Irish Times, he advised one mother with a violent 18-year-old daughter to tell her that aggression of this sort is not tolerated and issues should be discussed first.

Dr Sharry suggested interrupting violent outbursts and warning children of the consequences of continuing to be aggressive.

However, he also emphasised being empathetic and advised parents to try to reach out to their kids as there could be underlying problems.

Indeed, Dr Foluso Ademola and Dr Declan Sheering wrote in the Irish Medical Times last month that 4.5 per cent of kids aged between 12 and 15 are likely to suffer from a mood disorder in Ireland.

Written by Donal Walsh  

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