Academic Excellence

Thursday, February 7, 2013

Juvenile Crime Problem


Juvenile Crime Problem
Juvenile crimes span decades ago though in recent times, it has caught the attention of many by the concerns of the public through the media. Juvenile crimes are unacceptable range of behaviors among the youths. In our recent research in schools within this district we have noted that youths are engaging in school unrest, missing classes, sexual promiscuity and underage drinking among others.  These crimes are on the increase. In 2006, 28% of school principals complained of at least four incidences of unrest in schools compared to the 37% this year. 20% complained of assault and crime using weapons. At least 50 students have been expelled from school. Though this happens it’s not easy to identify all perpetrators. Example some student confessed having come with a weapon to school for purposes of defense. In separate studies about juvenile crimes across the nation, it has been discovered that the crimes are similar but differ in magnitude form district to district. In these reports, at least 100 students have been expelled from school due unacceptable behaviors. Siegel, Larry J, (2011)
With the increasing concern about adolescent violence and crime, separate research studies have been carried out and similar causes arise. First, it was discovered that some youths lack parental guidance in relation to socialization. Most of them claim that their parents are so busy working that they neglect them thus act unknowingly. Due to this, they pick on any one as a role model including violent ones. Second the economic problems in their families contribute to the stealing as they want to keep abreast with their peers. The peer pressure has resulted in the youths engaging in underage drinking, prostitution, skipping classes among others. In general, we can only speculate the causes of these crimes as a mechanism of the youths to cope with life demands but they need help. Moffitt (2006).
The government set up the National Crime Prevention Council to deal with crimes including the juvenile crimes.  This council has laws to guide the state in dealing with such laws including assumption that when a youth engages in index crimes, they are charged in adult courts. Brown, S. (1998).Though several schools are working with the council it’s important to note that the school authority has to source for counselors in schools to offer routine advice to the youths and parents spare time for their children.


References
Brown, S. (1998) Understanding Youth and Crime (Listening to youth?), Buckingham: Open       University Press. Page 109
Moffitt (2006). Life course persistent versus adolescent limited antisocial behavior. In D.  Cicchetti & D. Cohen (Eds.) Developmental Psychopathy (2nd ed) New York: Wiley.
Siegel, Larry J., and Brandon Welsh. Juvenile Delinquency: The Core. 4th ed. Belmont, CA:            Wadsworth/cengage Learning, 2011.

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