2. Understanding Behaviour

2a. What do we mean by behaviours that challenge?

Most children will display behaviours that challenge at times. Feeling angry, upset, stressed or overwhelmed is part of growing up and learning to manage those feelings takes time. As they develop, children and young people often express big emotions through their behaviour. For younger children, this might look like hitting, shouting or having a tantrum. For teenagers, it may involve arguing, withdrawing or pushing boundaries as they seek more independence.

These behaviours are a normal part of emotional development. However, in some cases, these can become more frequent, more intense or harder to support. It may begin to affect a pupil’s wellbeing, disrupt their learning, strain relationships or have an impact on others in school or at home.

It’s important to recognise that not all behaviour that is difficult to manage is intentionally defiant or ‘bad’. Those behaviours are often a form of communication signalling unmet needs, distress or difficulty in managing emotions. Many pupils who show signs of distress through behaviour may be struggling with anxiety, trauma, communication needs or other factors beyond their control. That’s why it’s important to focus on understanding the behaviour, rather than labelling the pupil.

Taking time to explore what might be driving the behaviour and responding with consistency, empathy and the right support, helps pupils feel understood and increases the likelihood of positive change over time.