Understanding the Cost of Conflict for 11-Year-Olds: Why Fighting Can Be Harmful

What is Conflict?

Conflict means when people disagree or argue with each other. It's normal to have conflicts sometimes, but they can cause problems if not handled well.

What Does 'Cost of Conflict' Mean?

The 'cost of conflict' means what we lose or what gets hurt because of fights or disagreements. This can be more than just feeling angry or upset.

Types of Costs in Conflict

• Emotional Cost: Feeling sad, angry, or stressed because of arguments or fights.
• Social Cost: Losing friends or having trouble getting along with others after conflicts.
• Time Cost: Spending time arguing instead of doing fun or important things.
• Physical Cost: Sometimes conflicts can lead to hurt feelings or even physical injuries.
• Financial or Material Cost: For adults, conflicts can cause money problems, like paying for damage or legal fees. While this may not impact you directly, it's good to know.

Why is it Important to Avoid Conflict or Solve It Peacefully?

If we can understand the costs of conflict, it helps us see why it's better to solve problems by talking calmly, listening to others, and finding solutions that make everyone happy.

How Can You Help?

• Use kind words and listen carefully.
• Try to understand others’ feelings.
• Ask for help from a teacher or adult if needed.

Remember, avoiding or solving conflicts peacefully helps everyone feel safe and happy!