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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