I was raised by an authoritarian father. He was loud. He was erratic. And he was often angry. I was afraid of him. I remember sitting at the dinner table every night just trying to avoid his wrath. If his anger was aimed at my mom, my brother, or my sister, I would breathe a sigh of relief and retreat to my room. Much of my energy went to trying not to get in trouble. I was motivated by the fear of my dad. So I got good grades. I joined extracurricular activities at school that would keep me there into the evening. And I got really good at lying. I spent yearsworking to undo the impacts of how I grew up. I didn’t learn to be self-motivated until many years later.

We all have unique stores about our childhood and upbringing. Regardless of the specifics, in our work at The Flourish Lab we have found that most adults who work in afterschool programs were raised in schools and family environments that emphasized adult power and punitive consequences as a means for managing their behavior or “keeping them in line”. Understandably, when many of these adults begin working with youth, they model what they were taught as children.

What we know now, though, is that these “old school” behavior management strategies can have long-term negative effects on youth. On the other hand, modern strategies that focus on social and emotional development offer a more positive and impactful approach. It is important, then, to train the adults who work in afterschool programs to unlearn those outdated methods and learn a new approach.

Here’s a closer look at the consequences of outdated methods and the benefits of embracing new practices.

The Pitfalls of Outdated Behavior Management Strategies

Outdated behavior management techniques often include approaches such as punitive discipline, authoritarian methods, and a focus on control rather than support. While these methods may seem effective in the short term (you will often see an immediate shift in behavior), they can have significant long-term negative effects on youth.

Consequences:

1. Increased Aggression and Antisocial Behavior: Children subjected to punitive methods often learn to respond to conflicts with aggression. This can perpetuate a cycle of violence and lead to more severe behavioral issues over time.
2. Lower Self-Esteem and Academic Achievement: Outdated methods can erode a child's self-confidence and lead to disengagement from school and learning. This impacts their academic performance and overall motivation.
3. Strained Relationships: Authoritarian techniques can damage the relationship between staff and children, leading to a lack of trust and reluctance to engage positively.

The Benefits of Social and Emotional Development Strategies

In contrast, contemporary behavior management strategies that focus on social and emotional development offer a more holistic approach to supporting youth. These methods emphasize building positive relationships, teaching emotional regulation, and fostering a supportive environment.

Research: According to the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL), programs that incorporate social and emotional learning (SEL) significantly improve students’ emotional regulation, social skills, and academic performance (CASEL).

Benefits:

1. Enhanced Emotional Regulation: Programs that teach children how to understand and manage their emotions help them develop healthier coping strategies. This can reduce the likelihood of behavioral issues and improve their ability to handle stress.
2. Improved Social Skills: SEL programs focus on developing interpersonal skills such as empathy, communication, and conflict resolution. These skills are crucial for building positive relationships and succeeding in both academic and social settings.
3. Stronger Staff-Child Relationships: Positive, supportive interactions foster trust and mutual respect, making children more likely to engage and participate in program activities.

A study published in the Journal of Emotional and Behavioral Difficulties  (September, 2023) highlights that young people themselves find punitive practices to be ineffective and instead share what promotes prosocial behavior: “adults who listen, understand and collaborate with them”.

Conclusion

The long-term negative effects of outdated behavior management techniques can be profound, impacting children’s emotional well-being, academic success, and social relationships. By adopting modern strategies focused on social and emotional development, afterschool programs can create a more supportive and effective environment. These methods not only address immediate behavioral concerns but also contribute to the holistic development of youth, setting them up for long-term success.

Embracing these approaches can lead to a more positive and enriching experience for both children and staff, ensuring that afterschool programs fulfill their vital role in youth.