Military Children Display Higher Rates of Substance Abuse and Violence.

2015-08-17T16:27:09-04:00

http://www.rawstory.com/2015/08/military-children-display-higher-rates-of-substance-abuse-and-violence-study/

Military children display higher rates of substance abuse and violence: study

Being the child of an active-duty military member may present increased risks for violence, substance abuse and becoming the victim of bullying, a new study in the Journal of the American Medical Association Pediatrics finds.

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Aug 17 at 2015 5:30 PM

2015-08-17T17:30:23-04:00

They don't give a good reason for the difference other than speculation on frequency of moves and absence of a parent due to deployment. While those are understandable risks there is no data presented to back it up.

Response by MSgt Jim Wolverton made Aug 17 at 2015 5:53 PM

2015-08-17T17:53:15-04:00

I saw nothing in this article that had any substance. Most military children that grow up overseas like my children, are generally more tolerant children, more resilient, and not violent/prone to bullying/getting bullied. Military children that grow up entirely in the States are basically just civilian kids who have a parent that is/was military. There is a huge difference between those two groups of dependent children, I saw the difference at my last duty station before retirement.

Response by CPO Andy Carrillo, MS made Sep 21 at 2015 3:48 PM

2015-09-21T15:48:49-04:00

Makes sense: adults choose the regimentation and structure of military life; children do not. Given that 'crap rolls downhill' then I can see where the frustrations inherent in military life (repression, powerlessness) can impact children who are seeking independence.