Parents should be held legally responsible for their children’s acts. What is your opinion? Support it with examples from your experience.

In some countries, it is believed that crime among young people is increasing. What do you think are the reasons for this trend? What types of punishment or approaches are most suitable for young offenders?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

In several nations, it is widely argued that crime among young people is rising. This trend can be attributed to a combination of social, technological, and familial factors. To address this issue effectively, rehabilitation, rather than harsh punishment, is the most appropriate approach for young offenders.

One major reason for the spurt in youth crime is the weakening of family supervision. In several households, both parents work long hours, leaving young individuals without adequate guidance or emotional support. Consequently, they seek belonging in peer groups that may encourage risky or illegal behaviour to get their acknowledgement. Likewise, another contributing factor is the influence of social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram, where violent or antisocial content can sometimes be glamorised. Easy access to such material  may desensitise young minds and normalise aggressive conduct. Additionally, economic inequality and limited educational, or employment, opportunities could persuade  disadvantaged youth towards theft, drug-related offences, or gang involvement.

The panacea for surmounting this complication lies not in punitive measures alone. Young people are still developing cognitively and emotionally; therefore, rehabilitation programs are more suitable. Community service, counselling, mentorship schemes, and vocational training can help offenders become  responsible and foster practical skills. For example, in countries like Norway, the justice system emphasises reform and reintegration rather than strict imprisonment; as a result, unlawful undertakings involving the youth have declined considerably. Similarly, schools can also be instrumental in preventing young minds from going astray by incorporating life-skills education and conflict-resolution training into their curriculum.

In conclusion, rising youth crime is largely influenced by family neglect, media exposure, and socioeconomic challenges. However, instead of resorting to retribution, societies should prioritise supportive and rehabilitative measures that guide the upcoming generation to grow up as lawful citizens.