SEd SS 324

TRENDS AND ISSUES IN SOCIAL STUDIES

FINALS

Objectives

 Identify and discuss the concept of juvenile delinquency; and

 Explain measures to solve or minimize these problems.

What is Juvenile Delinquency?

Juvenile delinquency refers to the participation by a minor child, usually between the ages of 10 and 17,
in illegal behavior or activities. It can also encompass children who exhibit persistent mischievousness or
disobedience, to the point where they are considered out of parental control and become subject to legal action
by the court system. In other words, it’s when a minor violates the law, but the punishment is not as severe as
death or life imprisonment.
There are two main types of juvenile offenders:
1. Repeat offenders (also known as “life-course persistent offenders”): These juveniles begin offending
or showing signs of antisocial behavior during adolescence and continue engaging in criminal activities
even after they enter adulthood.
2. Age-specific offenders: Their delinquent behavior occurs during adolescence, but it typically ends
before they become adults. Interestingly, age-specific offenders may have more mental health problems,
engage in substance abuse, and face greater financial difficulties than adults who were never delinquent
as juveniles.
Risk factors and predictors of juvenile delinquency often emerge early, sometimes between the ages of 6 and
12 years. While many behaviors during pre-teen and teenage years are considered normal as children test
boundaries and develop their self-perception, some may lead to the label of “juvenile delinquent” if they persist

Factors and their role in juvenile delinquency:

1. Peer Pressure:
o Definition: Peer pressure refers to the influence that peers (friends, classmates, or
acquaintances) exert on an individual to conform to their behavior, attitudes, or actions.
o Impact on Juvenile Delinquency:
 Adolescents are particularly susceptible to peer pressure due to their desire for
acceptance and belonging.
 When peers engage in risky or illegal activities (such as substance abuse, vandalism,
or theft), vulnerable youth may feel compelled to participate to fit in.
 This can lead to delinquent behavior, as adolescents prioritize peer acceptance over
legal norms.
 o Example: A teenager might join a gang or commit petty crimes because their friends encourage
or pressure them to do so.
2. Lack of Parental Guidance:
o Definition: Parental guidance refers to the support, supervision, and positive role modeling
provided by parents or guardians.
o Impact on Juvenile Delinquency:
 When parents are absent, neglectful, or fail to set boundaries, adolescents may lack
proper guidance.
 Absence of parental involvement can lead to risky behavior, as youth seek validation
and structure elsewhere.
 Adolescents with little parental supervision may engage in delinquent acts without fear
of consequences.
o Example: A teenager with absentee parents may skip school, experiment with drugs, or engage
in vandalism.
3. Psychiatric Illness:
o Definition: Psychiatric illnesses include mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety,
conduct disorders, or personality disorders.
o Impact on Juvenile Delinquency:
 Adolescents with untreated psychiatric illnesses may exhibit impulsive, aggressive, or
antisocial behavior.
 Mental health issues can impair judgment, impulse control, and empathy, leading to
delinquency.
 Substance abuse often co-occurs with psychiatric disorders, further increasing the risk
of criminal behavior.
o Example: A teenager suffering from severe depression might engage in self-harm or substance
abuse, which could escalate to criminal acts.
4. Media Exposure:
o Definition: Media exposure refers to the influence of television, movies, video games, and
social media on an individual’s behavior.
o Impact on Juvenile Delinquency:
 Violent or sensationalized media content can desensitize adolescents to violence and
criminal behavior.
 Exposure to glamorized criminal acts may normalize delinquency or romanticize
criminal lifestyles.
 Media can shape attitudes, beliefs, and perceptions, affecting how youth view
lawfulness.
o Example: A teenager who repeatedly watches violent movies may become desensitized to
aggression and mimic such behavior.
 5. Insecurity:
o Definition: Insecurity refers to feelings of inadequacy, fear, or uncertainty about oneself.
o Impact on Juvenile Delinquency:
 Insecure adolescents may seek validation or power through delinquent acts.
 Criminal behavior can provide a false sense of control or identity.
 Insecurity may drive youth to join gangs, commit theft, or engage in other illegal
activities.
o Example: A teenager struggling with low self-esteem might shoplift to prove their worth or
gain acceptance.

Causes of Juvenile Delinquency

1. Poverty and Unsatisfied Desires:
o Explanation: Poverty often limits access to basic needs, education, and opportunities. When
young individuals grow up in impoverished conditions, they may experience frustration due to
unmet desires or aspirations.
o Impact on Juvenile Delinquency:
 Some youth turn to illegal activities (such as theft, drug trafficking, or vandalism) to
fulfill their material desires.
 Poverty-related stressors can lead to feelings of hopelessness, pushing adolescents
toward delinquent behavior.
o Example: A teenager from a low-income family might steal to afford fashionable clothing or
gadgets.

2. Association with the Wrong Crowd:

o Explanation: Peer influence plays a significant role in shaping behavior. Associating with
delinquent peers can lead to adopting their values, norms, and criminal activities.
o Impact on Juvenile Delinquency:
 Adolescents who join gangs or associate with troublemakers are more likely to engage
in illegal acts.
 Peer pressure can override individual moral compasses, leading to delinquency.
o Example: A teenager hanging out with friends involved in drug use may start experimenting
with substances.
3. Broken Homes and Loyalty Conflicts:
o Explanation: Broken homes refer to families disrupted by divorce, separation, or parental
absence.
o Impact on Juvenile Delinquency:
 Children from broken homes may experience emotional turmoil, loyalty conflicts, and
insecurity.
 Lack of stability and parental guidance can push them toward delinquent behavior.
o Example: A teenager torn between parents’ conflicting expectations may rebel and engage in
risky behavior.
4. Deep-Seated Conflicts and Hostility:
o Explanation: Internal conflicts, unresolved trauma, or adverse life experiences can create
emotional turmoil.
o Impact on Juvenile Delinquency:
  Adolescents harboring anger, resentment, or feelings of injustice may act out against
society.
 Delinquency becomes an outlet for their emotional struggles.
o Example: A young person who experienced abuse might resort to violence or property damage.
5. Emotional Deprivation and Indifference:
o Explanation: Emotional deprivation occurs when individuals lack nurturing, care, or emotional
support.
o Impact on Juvenile Delinquency:
 Feeling unloved or uncared for can lead to apathy toward societal norms.
 Some youth become indifferent to the consequences of their actions.
o Example: A teenager who feels abandoned may engage in reckless behavior without
considering societal norms.

Trends in juvenile delinquency:

1. Criminal Ganging:
o Explanation: Criminal ganging refers to the formation of youth gangs involved in illegal
activities.
o Trend: Over time, there has been an increase in the formation and influence of youth gangs.
o Impact: Gangs often engage in violence, drug trafficking, and territorial disputes, contributing
to overall delinquency rates.
2. Lower Age of Crime:
o Explanation: This trend relates to the decreasing age at which juveniles commit criminal acts.
o Trend: Juveniles are getting involved in criminal behavior at younger ages.
o Impact: Early exposure to crime can shape lifelong criminal trajectories and impact societal
safety.
3. Centralization of Crime Types:
o Explanation: Centralization refers to the concentration of specific types of crimes among
juveniles.
o Trend: Certain crimes (e.g., drug offenses, property crimes) are more prevalent among young
offenders.
o Impact: Focusing prevention efforts on these specific crime types can be effective in reducing
overall delinquency rates.
4. Centralization of Crime Time:
o Explanation: This trend relates to the specific times when juvenile crimes occur.
o Trend: Juvenile delinquency tends to peak during after-school hours and weekends.
o Impact: Targeted interventions during these high-risk time periods can help prevent delinquent
behavior.
5. Criminal Gender Differentiation:
o Explanation: Gender differences in delinquency refer to how boys and girls engage in different
types of criminal acts.
 o Trend: Historically, males have been more involved in violent offenses, while females lean
toward status offenses (e.g., truancy, curfew violations).
o Impact: Understanding gender-specific patterns helps tailor prevention strategies.
6. Regional Differentiation of Crime:
o Explanation: Regional variation in delinquency rates occurs due to social, economic, and
cultural factors.
o Trend: Certain regions or neighborhoods experience higher juvenile crime rates.
o Impact: Tailoring prevention efforts to local contexts can address specific risk factors.
7. Worsening of the Nature of Crime:
o Explanation: This trend reflects the increasing severity or sophistication of juvenile offenses.
o Trend: Some youth now engage in more violent or technologically advanced criminal acts.
o Impact: Law enforcement and rehabilitation programs must adapt to address evolving criminal
behaviors.

Effects of Juvenile Delinquency

1. Victims:
o Psychological Impact: Victims of juvenile delinquency may experience trauma, anxiety, and
fear due to their victimization. This can affect their mental health and overall well-being.
o Physical Harm: Victims may suffer physical injuries, leading to pain, disability, or even death.
o Financial Consequences: Medical bills, lost wages, and property damage can burden victims
and their families.
2. Juvenile Delinquents:
o Long-Term Consequences: Juvenile offenders face challenges in their future. Their criminal
record can limit educational and employment opportunities.
o Peer Influence: Association with delinquent peers may perpetuate criminal behavior and
hinder positive development.
o Rehabilitation Opportunities: The juvenile justice system aims to rehabilitate young
offenders, but recidivism remains a concern.
3. Families:
o Emotional Strain: Families of delinquent youth experience stress, shame, and disappointment.
o Legal Costs: Legal fees, court proceedings, and counseling expenses can strain family finances.
o Parental Responsibility: Parents may feel responsible for their child’s actions and struggle
with guilt.
4. Community:
o Safety Concerns: Juvenile delinquency affects community safety. Increased crime rates can
create fear and instability.
 o Resource Allocation: Communities must allocate resources for prevention programs, law
enforcement, and rehabilitation.
o Social Stigma: Communities may stigmatize families of delinquent youth, affecting social
cohesion.
5. Society:
o Economic Impact: Juvenile delinquency imposes costs on society, including legal expenses,
lost productivity, and property damage.
o Public Perception: Society’s perception of youth crime influences policies, funding, and
public discourse.
o Preventive Measures: Society invests in prevention programs, education, and community
engagement to address delinquency

Prevention
 Provide them with the right treatment
 Don’t treat them like hard-core adult criminals
 Identify Juveniles which show delinquent behavior
 Provide assistance to such children and their family from the beginning
 Stop them from committing the offenses so that they should not become habitual offenders
 Instead of punishment, use the concept of welfare, development, and growth of juveniles should be used
 Delinquency can be prevented through counseling, psychotherapy, and proper education of such
Juvenile and his family.

References:
Juvenile Delinquency. https://legaldictionary.net/juvenile-delinquency/
https://www.studocu.com/ph/document/university-of-luzon/criminology/module-1-juvenile-delinquency-and-
juvenile-justice-system-1/85018032
https://slidesgo.com/search?q=juvenile+delinquency#rs=search
Risk and Protective Factors and Interventions for Reducing Juvenile Delinquency: A Systematic Review.
https://www.mdpi.com/2076-0760/12/9/474

Prepared by:
Mary-che Escalante
BSE-3