New method for managing aggressive boys comes to UK

An innovative method of training adults to deal with aggressive young men is coming to the UK for the first time. The University of Birmingham is presenting the Rock and Water programme - the most successful intervention with young men in Australia and the Netherlands.

A one day course led by the programme's Dutch founder on 15 September will train teachers and youth workers physical exercises linked with mental and social skills.

The programme leads from simple self defence, boundary and communication exercises to a strong notion of self confidence. The Rock and Water concept contrasts a tough, immovable rock attitude with the mobile, communicative water attitude and applies it at a physical, mental and social level. At a physical level it means that an attack can be blocked by muscular strength but also, and more effectively, by moving along with the energy of the attacker.

Programme founder Freerk Ykema says: "Boys are increasingly showing disturbing behaviour and are often victims of violence and risk takers. In the UK, the Netherlands and Australia the suicide rate amongst young men is much higher than girls. But I don't believe that there is something wrong with the boys themselves. I think the problems are caused by the fact that we don't understand them. No wonder that teachers and parents, along with departments of education and health, are seeking programmes to connect them with the world of boys".

He continues: "It is an honour and a pleasure to introduce the Rock and Water programme in England. I am sure it will be of invaluable worth for education in general".

Mark Wood is a lecturer in Community, Play and Youth Studies at the University of Birmingham and believes the impact of the programme could form the basis of future research. He says: "Boy's behaviour is of topical relevance with current discussions of anti social behaviour. The Rock and Water programme teaches us an alternative to 'in-your-face' reaction to boys physically releasing their emotions. I am excited about making links with my research on boys in schools and ideas of manhood".