Dealing with Disruptive Behaviour in All Age Groups

May 14, 2025

Taming the Chaos: Managing Rowdy and Overzealous Youths in Sessions

Every Scout leader has been there — you're trying to explain a fun activity, but two kids are sword-fighting with tent poles, one is crawling under the table, and another is very loudly sharing what they had for tea.

Youth energy is a brilliant thing — but too much of it, aimed in the wrong direction, can derail a session fast. This post explores practical, Scouting-friendly strategies to keep young people focused, included, and positively engaged — without losing your voice or your sanity.

1. Prevention is Better Than Firefighting

The best way to manage overzealous behaviour is to prevent it in the first place:

Set expectations early. At the start of the session, clearly explain the structure: “First we’re doing X, then Y, then a game.”

Use visual aids. A whiteboard or printed “session steps” helps some children anchor to what’s happening.

Keep everyone active. Boredom breeds chaos. Always avoid too much sitting and listening.

2. Give the Energy Somewhere to Go

Overexcited kids usually don’t want to disrupt — they just have more energy than instructions.

Assign jobs: Set-up monitor, glue distributor, group timekeeper, etc. Even small tasks can give restless members purpose.

Make it a challenge: “Can you complete this in silence?” or “How fast can your team finish the build without rushing?”

Use team points or ‘patrol pride’ to reward focus, kindness, or fast listening — not just the loudest contribution.

3. Redirect, Don’t Confront

Confronting misbehaviour directly often escalates things. Instead:

Move close and speak calmly — just your presence can be enough to settle someone down.

Redirect attention. Ask a question, involve them in the task, or give them a quick new role.

Pause and reset. If a session gets too loud or unfocused, call everyone back for a 1-minute calm-down with deep breaths or a silly 10-second physical burst (like “freeze dance”).

4. Use Scouting Tools That Already Work

Scouts already have built-in methods that help focus attention:

Call-and-response routines like "Ready, steady… Go!" or the classic "Signs up!" are quick and effective.

Hand signs, claps, or Scout signals can become part of your regular session rhythm.

Circle time is great for regaining control and re-setting behaviour with the whole group.

5. Balance Fairness with Flexibility

Not all “rowdy” behaviour is intentional — some kids may have additional needs or struggle with attention in group settings. Check in with parents/carers if needed, and use your instinct to balance fairness with support.

Sometimes all a young person needs is:

A short break outside the circle

An activity that uses their hands

To be heard before they can listen

Tips for Different Age Groups:

🐾 Beavers (6–8)

Use lots of visual instructions and physical demos.

Keep sessions fast-paced with regular changes.

Introduce a mascot or puppet to get attention non-verbally.

Let them be silly briefly, then move them into a calmer task.

🐻 Cubs (8–11)

Give them ownership over part of the session (games leader, helper, etc.)

Use team points or “pack pride” to focus attention.

Let them burn off energy with short movement breaks between tasks.

Quiet one-on-one chats work better than calling them out in front of the group.

🔥 Scouts (11–14)

Treat them with mutual respect — explain why certain behaviour isn’t okay.
Challenge them — “I think you could lead this better, want to try?”
Let them help plan or modify the task — great for buy-in.
Be consistent, but stay calm — they’ll test boundaries, not because they dislike you, but because they’re learning where they are.

Final Thought:
You don’t need to be a drill sergeant to keep a session on track. With the right balance of warmth, structure, and trust, even the most energetic group can become focused, helpful, and thriving. Every young person has the potential to lead — you’re just guiding them toward it.

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