# Childhood Trauma Shapes Violence in South Africa

> South Africa's Plant Play program helps children overcome trauma to reduce violence.
- Title: Childhood Trauma Shapes Violence in South Africa · Allafrica
- Summary: South Africa's Plant Play program helps children overcome trauma to reduce violence. South Africa's Plant Play program improves emotional regulation in 542…
- Keywords: south africa, childhood trauma, plant play, emotional regulation, diepsloot, gauteng, human nature africa, violence prevention, news, world, politics, Childhood
- Source: Allafrica — https://allafrica.com/stories/202610190104.html
- Published: 2026-10-19T08:45:30+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: south africa, childhood trauma, plant play, emotional regulation, diepsloot, gauteng, human nature africa, violence prevention, news, world, politics
## Childhood Trauma Shapes Violence
Childhood trauma can shape behaviour and fuel violence in South Africa.
## Plant Play Reaches 542 Children
Plant Play has reached 542 children aged 10-15 in Diepsloot, Gauteng.
## Gender-Based Violence Hotspots
Diepsloot is one of 30 gender-based violent hotspot areas in South Africa.
## Trauma's Impact on Development
Childhood trauma disrupts cognitive and social-emotional development.
## Stigma of Mental Health
Mental health stigma discourages children from seeking help for fear of being seen as less normal.
## Plant Play Program
Plant Play uses environmental education through flower care to help children explore feelings.
## Circle Conversations
Children share experiences in 'circle' groups to build emotional understanding.
## Child Testimonials
A 14-year-old boy explains poverty's impact on his decision to not steal bread.
## Rape and Normalization
A boy describes how rape is normalized in communities.

> It just becomes one of those cases. Even when someone says: 'I was raped', people would point her out in public and say, ah, it's that one. She is only 13 and exposed to such things. I don't think that should be normal. Even when someone gets killed. The problem is normalising things that shouldn't be normal.
## Emotional Regulation Results
Over 14 weeks, 73% of children reported feeling calmer and better able to regulate emotions.
## Violence Prevention Impact
Plant Play reduces aggression and prevents violence among young people.
## Key takeaway

South Africa's Plant Play program improves emotional regulation in 542 children to prevent violence.