Preventing Antisocial Behaviour of Young Children at Risk

Antisocial behaviour can be a stable personal characteristic from a young age onwards, but it is also sensitive to environmental influences. This last fact encourages research into preventing the growth of aggressive and criminal behaviour by supporting pro-social behaviour of children at risk. In this paper, first, the theoretical aspects of social behaviour are presented. Then research using case studies and development in nursery education indicates which problems may exist for pre-schoolers at risk. The growth of the social problems can be reduced, or be compensated for, by specific educational improvements, eg an intake procedure and the introduction of play- and learning-lines in addition to free play. Some first developmental experiences in nursery and elementary schools illustrate the educational changes and their effects. The conclusion is that regular school practice has to change to support the pro-social behaviour of pre-schoolers at risk.