The Causes of Juvenile Delinquency

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that the lack of family unity and parental guidance is the major contributing factor related to the rise of juvenile delinquency. The author points out that most researchers have found that troubled and delinquent children are more likely to come from families with a history of teen pregnancy, substance abuse during pregnancy, low birth weight and other types of birth complications, parent's criminal record or mental health problems, poor parental supervision, erratic child-rearing behavior, parental disharmony, and parental rejection of the child. The author relates that one of the first comprehensive studies of leisure and delinquency shows that time spent in organized leisure activities, passive entertainment, and non-competitive sports were negatively related to delinquency.

From the Paper:

"The State Bar of California commissioned the Carlton Research Company to question six hundred 10-14 year olds to find out how they thought affected themselves and found that most of the children interviewed did not know what is and is not legal. Although they knew killing someone or using illegal drugs was illegal, many did not know that truancy, breaking curfew, or fighting was illegal. Those interviewed "indicated that they are more likely to obey a law when they fear being caught" and are only half as likely to break curfew, skip school or break school rules if they believe their parents will find out?."

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