Juvenile Crime Opinions
My job entails working with juveniles in schools, in their
homes, and on the street. Unfortunately, juvenile related crime continues
to be a major concern not only in our country, but all over the world.
Following are some observations of a personal nature that I feel are contributing
factors to the tragedy of juvenile crime.
Children from disfunctional and single parent families
account for a significant percentage of juvenile offenders. Parents need
to work harder at getting along themselves and keeping families intact
rather than using the all too easy road of divorce. Children need the feelings
of love and security, belonging and recognition that an intact family can
give. If they cannot have these needs met at home, they can get a distorted
version from local street gangs.
Parents, when was the last time
you spent an evening with your child? A weekend? A family dinner? Did you
attend your child's last play or concert or sporting event?
The amount of violence our children are exposed to in the
media has been a major cause in the increase of violent crimes committed
by juveniles. Communities should demand that local theaters and cable television
stations remove from basic service, shows which glamorize violence, premarital
sex, criminal activity, and juvenile suicide.
Parents, do you monitor what your
child watches on TV and listens to on the radio? Are you selective in what
YOU watch and listen to? Remember your children look to you to set the
standard.
Parents need to take control of their homes again and become
parents not buddies to their children. Children want discipline in the
home, but too often parents do not want to provide it.
Parents, have you ever failed to
say NO to your child because you thought your child would be upset with
you? Are you more concerned about what your child thinks about you than
what is best for your child?
Our schools need to begin teaching again and set consequences
for failure to achieve certain levels of proficiency in subject matter.
Passing a child on to the next grade just to move that child along assures
failure in school and often in life. The philosophy that it harms a child's
self-esteem to fail them for not attaining certain educational standards
is incredibly naive.
Parents, when was your last conversation
with your child's teacher in which you discussed your child's progress
in school? When was the last time you asked your child about his studies
and homework? When was the last time you requested your child get MORE
homework rather than less?
Our churches need to become more actively involved with the
youth in our communities. Programs need to be provided for clean, moral
activities for juveniles to participate in and learn from. Teaching a child
values is not wrong. Showing the child values is a valuable learning experience
for the child.
Parents, when was the last time
you attended church with your child?
Children need to be taught that there are consequences to
whatever choices they make and that they do not control what the consequences
may be. They need instruction on how to make informed decisions. When consequences
are set, they need to be carried out. It does even more harm to set a penalty
for misbehavior and then relent later.
Further information regarding juvenile crime statistics
and the causes can be found at the Office
of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention website.