Prosocial behavior among children and adolescents

Over 420 million youngsters are affected by political unrest. Understanding the emergence of prosocial behaviours directed at outgroups in such situations can provide prospects for peacebuilding. We focus on Over 42 outgroup prosocial behaviour directed at conflict opponents, based on studies on intergroup rivalry and structural inequality. Children are politically socialised from an early age and exhibit intergroup biases that decrease assisting -ing behaviours toward conflict competitors, which persist throughout adulthood. Across group boundaries, we examine factors that impact youth's interpersonal aiding and broader types of prosociality, such as civic participation. Outgroup prosocial behaviour is conceptualised as a continuum, extending from interpersonal acts to broader structural and cultural transformation. Finally, we offer suggestions for future research.