Males show higher levels of physical aggression, while females are more verbally aggressive. This aggression results from a combination of heredity and environment, with a major emphasis on environmental factors. Gender roles are one reason for this. Boys are encouraged to take part in more aggressive activities than girls are. Role models are also an important factor in aggression.
Studies show children imitate the behaviors of their adult models.
The media and television are two controversial factors in aggression. Television is loaded with violence and broadcasts it to children around the world. Children imitate what they see, be it at home, in school, or on television. Conflicts, disagreements over social issues, beliefs, or behaviors, and frustration resulting from blocked goals can also lead to aggression. Communication alone does not help resolve a conflict, and may even escalate it.