There has been much research dedicated to trying to find out why people behave the way they do, especially when it comes to crime. Growing up can be challenging in itself, and it only takes one or two bad decisions or strokes of misfortune for a juvenile to take a criminal path. As a parent, you may be interested in some factors that increase the likelihood of juvenile crime. Outlined below are a few things to consider.
Education and juvenile delinquency
Studies indicate that poor education increases the risk of juveniles engaging in criminal activity. School is where your children should spend the majority of their time, and if they are playing truant, they could be missing out on crucial life lessons. By staying in close contact with educational facilities, you can monitor your child’s progress, attendance and work closely with teaching staff to address any issues as early as possible.
Peer pressure
Young people have a lot of pressure put on them to fit in. Those who don’t fit in tend to be bullied and ostracized. Older children will often encourage younger kids to engage in initiation activities before they are allowed to be a part of the wider group. Occasionally, this involves criminal activity. Your adolescent child may also be pressured into trying illegal substances, which can seriously cloud their judgment. Such substances can also be highly addictive, and if your child becomes addicted, they may engage in behavior that they would not normally entertain. Adolescents often get a bad rap and they are also frequently singled out unfairly by law enforcement. If your child is facing charges, then it’s only natural to be worried about them. Seeking legal guidance can put your mind at ease and ensure they get the best possible defense.