Aggression facts for kids

Male elephant seals fighting

Aggression is when someone acts in a way that can cause harm or unpleasantness to another person or animal. This can be done openly or secretly. Sometimes, it happens when someone feels frustrated because they can't reach a goal.

In humans, aggression can be direct or indirect. Direct aggression means physically or verbally trying to hurt someone. Indirect aggression means trying to harm someone's friendships or social standing.

Aggression can show up in many ways. It can be physical, like hitting, or it can be verbal, like yelling. It can also be non-verbal, like giving someone a mean look. There are different types, such as:

• Aggression to protect against predators
• Aggression when feeling afraid
• Aggression when hunting for food
• Aggression to show who is in charge
• Aggression between males
• Aggression when defending your home
• Aggression from a mother protecting her young
• Aggression over territory

A girl being left out by her friends

Human aggression often falls into two main types:

• Planned aggression: This type is done on purpose to reach a goal. For example, someone might push another person to get to the front of a line.
• Impulsive aggression: This type happens suddenly and without much thought. It's often a strong reaction to something, like getting very angry and yelling.

Sometimes, people use aggression to get what they want. Other times, they use it because they feel attacked or threatened.

Scientists also study how the brain and its chemicals, like neurotransmitters, might affect aggressive behaviors.

Aggression in Animals

A pair of Sichuan takins

Just like humans, animals use aggression for important reasons related to their survival and having babies. Animals might act aggressively to:

• Protect their territory or home
• Get and keep food and water
• Find a mate

One clear example of aggression is when a predator hunts its prey. The predator acts aggressively to get food. The prey animal acts aggressively to defend itself and survive.

Animals are usually very good at knowing when they are outnumbered or when an enemy is too strong. This helps them decide whether to "fight or flee." If they think they can win, they might become aggressive. If the enemy is too powerful, they will usually run away to stay safe.

Images for kids

• 

  Two warthogs preparing to fight

See also

In Spanish: Agresión para niños