Let’s face it, we all get angry or upset sometimes. It is normal to feel irritable when we’re tired, hungry, upset, in a bad mood, or after a really hard day. Sometimes, there isn’t a clear reason at all, like when people say they “I woke up on the wrong side of the bed.”
What is typical?
Learners get angry just like adults do. This is normal. Usually, anger goes away in less than 30 minutes. But if a learners anger happens a lot or lasts a long time, it can disrupt their day. Learners also have fewer ways to deal with their feelings of anger than adults do, so it can affect everyone around them more.
For example, it’s okay for learners under 5 years old to have tantrums, especially when they do not get what they want or have to do something they do not want to do. Crying, yelling, stomping, kicking, rolling on the floor are all normal behaviours for little learners. This type of anger happens on and off and usually for specific reasons.
Big tantrums do not usually continue into the primary school years, but that doesn’t mean learners will not get angry sometimes.
When should I be concerned?
Irritability, which means getting angry easily, can indicate different issues. First, it might be a normal reaction to unfair treatment, prejudice, discrimination, abuse, or neglect. So, before thinking there might be something wrong with a learner’s behaviour, check if there is something external influencing their behaviour. Second, it might indicate other problems like depression or anxiety. Finally, it could be a problem on its own.
When a learner’s anger causes problems in their life or in the classroom (either because it happens often or it’s very strong) it’s a reason to be concerned. Irritability usually means something is happening in a learner’s life, and they need help. Irritability often comes with:
- Persistent sadness
- Feeling anxious
- Low self-esteem
- Sleep troubles
- Academic difficulties
- Trauma
Childhood anger is usually a worry when:
- Mood is irritable with school friends and in the classroom
- Anger lasts a long time
- Anger happens often
- Tantrums include hitting, biting, or kicking
- Tantrums happen for no clear reason
- They break things during a tantrum
- They get extremely angry
What can I do to help?
When a learner is often irritable or angry, do not ignore it. There might be something else going on. If you are concerned, here are some things you can try:
- Be supportive: Let the learner know you see they are upset and that you are there to help. Listen to them without judgment.
- Talk about it: Have a conversation with the learner to understand what might be triggering their anger. Ask simple, open-ended and caring questions.
- Inform caregivers: Let the learner’s caregivers know about your concerns so they can provide support at home.
- Consult with school support staff: Seek guidance from the school counsellor, psychologist, or social worker. They can provide additional support and resources.
- Create a calm and predictable classroom environment: A consistent routine and clear expectations can help reduce anxiety and anger.
- Teach coping skills: Help the learner learn strategies for managing their anger, such as deep breathing exercises or taking a break.
- Focus on positive reinforcement: Praise and reward positive behaviours to encourage emotional regulation.
What kind of professional support can be sought out?
It’s okay to worry about learners who experience persistent anger or irritability.
Speak to the learners’ parents about your concerns and advise them to seek help from their family doctors or nurses.
Ask the school counsellor for advice on how to navigate this learner’s feelings.
If you, as an educator, need extra support, there are wellness programmes made available by the Department of Basic Education and Health, which you can attend in person or online.
Where to find more information
For detailed information on mental health conditions, visit our guides for health professionals.