The Problem Of Juvenile Delinquency - 1792 Words

JUVENILE DELINQUENCY Various experts can give us many theories on the causes of juvenile delinquency, including one s economic background, substance abuse, delinquent peer groups, repeated exposure to violence, increased availability of firearms and media violence, however, I feel that the number one cause of juvenile delinquency is the breakdown of families, including lack of parental control over children. It is ironic in America, today, one must have a driver s license to operate a vehicle, a permit to own a gun and even a license to own a dog, but one does not have to have training or a license in order to become a parent. Without specialized educational programs in child development and parenting, many of our future parents will†¦show more content†¦Drugs and deadly weapons are used increasingly as ways to solve problems. Illicit and explicit sexuality and violence are the main subjects of choice in the media; and the impact of media influence has widened and become more vivid with the intr oduction of computers, video games, portable stereos. †¢ Changes in Family Structure and Functioning - The prevalence of divorce and the increasing number of women in the workplace have reduced the number of adults who provide interaction, structure and supervision in a child s life. Along with this, institutions have not kept pace in providing alternative programs for unsupervised kids. Add to this new parenting expectations that come with single parent and step- parent families and you now have a confusing, often inconsistent and/or unreliable home base for children. †¢ Confusion a bout Parent Roles and Parent Control - When children reach adolescence, conflict between parents and teens normally increases as teens need to distance themselves from parental identity to establish their own identity. Experts agree they are generally three parenting styles that reportedly escalate these conflicts. †¢ The authoritarian parent tends to emphasize rules and very harsh consequences. There is little room for discussion or negotiation. †¢ The indulgent parent tends to spoil the child and expects little or no responsibility at home, choosing instead to clean up after the child both at home and in his