JUVENILE CRIME ON THE RISE

Juvenile crime, also known as "juvenile offending", is

participation in illegal behavior by individuals younger
than the statutory age of majority).[1] Most legal
systems prescribe specific procedures for dealing with
juveniles, such as juvenile detention centers, and
courts. A juvenile delinquent in the United States is a
person who is typically below 18

THERE is an emerging trend of juveniles being involved in crime and

other social ills.Based on police statistics, juveniles involved in crime
totalled 7,816 cases in 2013 as compared to 3,700 cases in 2014.

Of this, student involvement in index crime totalled 1,632 cases in

2015 as compared to 1,042 cases in 2014, an increase of 57%.

As for non-student involvement, it totalled 6,184 cases in 2015 as

compared to 2,658 cases in 2014 an increase of 133%.

Last year saw a 47% jump in nationwide violent crime among minors,
aged between 12 and 17, with some even involved in murder and
rape.

Cases of violent crime went up from 368 in 2014 to 542 last year
among schoolchildren, while cases involving non-schoolgoing children
saw a 137% jump with 2,011 cases reported last year as compared to
849 cases in 2014.

Most minors get into crime because of negative peer influence and
elements of gangsterism which are penetrating our schools.

It appears noble values no longer dictate the behaviour of many

children as their respect for the law and civic consciousness seem to
be diminishing.
Teenagers as young as 12 are dabbling in crime and getting involved
in drugs, gambling and other social ills which could affect their future.

These are worrying trends and have to be looked into by the relevant
authorities and society in order to find lasting solutions.

Why are our juveniles and teenagers behaving this way?

Why are they disobeying the law to the extent of putting their
future in jeopardy?

There are questions that need solutions.

Counselling programmes involving family institutions and the

promotion of noble values are in greater need today than ever before.

Noble values must be preserved and nurtured to act as a shield

against the various social ills.

When a nation progresses the family institution could be the first victim
with children not getting the attention they need.

Children who return from school find themselves in empty homes as

both parents are at work.

There is no one around to show parental love, teach and inculcate

good family values.

Instead of seeking guidance from parents they do so from their peers.

With negative influences and peer pressure, an environment will exist

which can eventually lead to various forms of social ills.

They can become victims of social ills like truancy, violence in schools,
drug abuse and even crime.

If this problem is not addressed it will result in a serious divide

between children and parents.
Parents must be increasingly concerned about the quality of family life
and must constantly take steps to instil in their children the basic moral
values needed to build the foundation for a strong, stable and
cohesive society.

What is also needed is a continuous programme of moral

strengthening and reinforcement to make the children aware of their
responsibilities to themselves, their parents, the community and the
nation.

In regard to the respect for law and order, what is sorely needed is
leadership by example.

Our national leaders must always set the right example for our
younger generation in terms of respect for the law and social order as
well as moral behaviour.