In Dushanbe, another group brawl involving minors was prevented recently. After an argument on social media, teenagers decided to settle their differences in person – armed with knives. This time, the police acted swiftly and managed to prevent a stabbing.
The issue of violence among minors is increasingly going beyond typical schoolyard fights. Why is adolescent aggression on the rise? What early warning signs do parents miss, and what needs to be done now to prevent further tragedies?
Despite ongoing preventative measures, including the "Knife" operation, incidents of teenage violence continue to occur. In November, two high-profile cases of teenage aggression were reported in Dushanbe. In the city’s Firdavsi district, a conflict that started in social media escalated into a deadly knife fight: one student died, and another was placed in intensive care. The Interior Ministry confirmed that the criminal case had been referred to court.
Just days later, another case occurred in Dushanbe’s Sino district, where a 16-year-old teenager stabbed a peer in the chest. Both cases have resulted in criminal investigations. A similar incident earlier this year also ended in hospitalization.
Law enforcement authorities emphasize that adolescent aggression remains a significant threat and requires immediate action from families, schools, and society as a whole.
According to the Interior Ministry, 604 crimes were committed by minors in 2025, compared to 763 in 2021. Theft remains the most prevalent offense among youth.
Teenage aggression: what to watch for
Teenage aggression rarely emerges suddenly. Psychologists note that it usually develops gradually, influenced by internal struggles and the environment in which the child grows up. Often, it is a mix of familial, school-related, and social factors.
Law enforcement officials who work with juvenile crime specifically highlight the role of the digital environment in shaping teen behavior, describing minors as the most vulnerable category of internet users.
"While using the internet, teens seek to express their freedom, stand out among their peers, and often display aggression. It’s important for parents to pay more attention to their children and control access to open virtual platforms and internet resources that contain unchecked content," said Ghulomsho Muborakshozoda, Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs of Tajikistan.
The Ministry also points to violent video games as a factor exacerbating aggression. According to law enforcement, teens often emulate the behavior of aggressive characters in films and games, perceiving these models as effective ways to resolve conflicts quickly.
"For example, a teen at school may strive to gain a more significant position, but others are competing for the same role. They attempt to assert dominance, sometimes resorting to outright aggression. Rivalry for attention from the opposite sex, unrequited love, and jealousy can also lead to conflict. Aggression may arise when a teen is subjected to bullying, pressure, or even violence," Muborakshozoda explained.
Psychologists identify external pressure, competition, jealousy, and bullying as key triggers for teenage aggression. Aggression often manifests in emotional changes and mood swings, which adults may overlook.
"Before aggressive behavior emerges, there are early markers—emotional outbursts, irritability, impulsiveness, heightened sensitivity to rejection or criticism. Over time, harshness, rudeness, sarcasm, and humiliation of others can creep into interactions. Teens may become more withdrawn, introverted, and increasingly engage in conflicts, both at home and elsewhere," said Nisso Azizova, a clinical psychologist and psychotherapist.
Many parents dismiss such behavior as part of the "adolescent phase." However, tension builds up when the child doesn't receive timely support, and the search for identity combined with fragile self-esteem creates fertile ground for aggression.
"If these changes become persistent and worsen, it’s no longer just a phase; it’s a sign that the teen is struggling to cope with inner turmoil," Azizova emphasized.
What can schools do?
The role of schools in preventing teenage aggression is crucial. According to psychologist Nisso Azizova, educational institutions can fulfill two essential functions: early identification of troubling changes in students and reducing the risks of aggressive behavior.
"The responsibility of schools is systemic. This doesn’t mean that the school is ‘to blame’ for every action of a teenager, but the educational environment should create conditions where tension doesn’t accumulate in teens. Where trust and clear rules are present, aggression can be detected and addressed in time," she explained.
For this to happen, Azizova believes a clear and effective system of action is necessary: knowing who to inform about troubling signs, how psychologists should get involved, and how schools interact with families.
Experts working with juvenile offenders share the view that cooperation between families and schools is key to preventing teen conflicts.
"Teachers and parents must intervene in teen disputes and help resolve them. Depending on the situation, this could involve administrative action or simply offering sound advice," said Ghulomsho Muborakshozoda.
Specialists also emphasize the importance of not only responding to existing conflicts but also building a systematic preventive framework within the school itself.
It’s vital for schools to have competent psychologists who not only conduct assessments but also organize communication skills, conflict resolution, and emotional regulation training. When necessary, the psychologist should work with parents to create a support plan or refer the teen to other specialists.
"And finally, a safe environment is essential, where the teen can seek support without fear of ridicule or punishment for asking for help. Unfortunately, our culture still lacks an acceptance of seeking psychological support, both among parents and educational institutions," emphasized Azizova.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs also highlights the effectiveness of preventative measures such as expanding the supplementary education system, legal education, organizing productive leisure activities through clubs, sports sections, and charity work, and teaching teens communication and conflict-resolution skills.
"When a teen feels needed and successful in academics and social activities, the likelihood of them being involved in criminal behavior significantly decreases," the Ministry noted.
The Ministry is currently working on a project called the "National Program for Preventing Juvenile Delinquency for 2026-2030."
What can parents do right now?
Teenage aggression is often a response to internal distress. Therefore, parents should not try to combat the aggression directly but help their child manage emotions and stress. Even brief contact with an attentive adult can reduce tension and prevent dangerous behavioral manifestations.
"Even in times of exhaustion and limited time, there is one thing parents can do—create a moment of emotional safety. This could be a short conversation without lectures, simply showing interest in what is happening in the teen’s life. It’s not about asking, ‘How’s school?’ or ‘What grades did you get?’ but rather, ‘How are you feeling?’" explained Nisso Azizova.
This approach can manifest in a short walk, a cup of tea, sharing news, or simply listening to the teen without criticism.
"When they feel that there is an adult who can handle their emotions and doesn’t reject them, the tension decreases, and with it, aggressive reactions fade," emphasized the psychologist.
It’s important to remember that parenting isn’t just about providing for material needs but also about emotional availability, presence, and attentiveness. A teen may have everything they need materially but still feel emotionally isolated.
It’s where a warm connection with an adult exists—where the child is heard and taken seriously—that space for dialogue is created, reducing the risk of aggressive behavior.
Law enforcement officials also note that aggression often serves as a form of psychological defense.
Experts agree that stopping the dangerous escalation of teenage aggression can only happen through joint efforts from families, schools, specialists, and the state. The sooner warning signals are noticed, the higher the chance of preventing another tragedy.
"By showing aggression, a teen may be defending their opinion, overcoming fear, or trying to adapt to a new social environment. Aggression can be natural, necessary, or destructive. Therefore, it’s essential for parents and educators to guide teens toward peaceful conflict resolution," officials emphasized.
