Introduction
Juvenile delinquency has been linked to multiple elements that impact individuals and correlate with a likelihood to engage in criminal behavior. Moreover, understanding these elements generates more comprehensive solutions that can address the challenge and facilitate a decrease in juvenile crime. This paper will assess three different characteristics regarding the risks and protective factors that impact delinquency. Namely, drug use, peers, and gender will be examined in relation to how they negatively and positively impact juveniles.
Drug Use
Drug use has a significant impact on juvenile delinquency. Namely, researchers have found a correlation between illegal substances and externalized behavior difficulties (Frobel et al., 2022). The outcome is associated with the inhibition of behavior management. As a result, juveniles who are under the influence are less likely to comprehend their actions thoroughly. They may participate in actions that would otherwise be avoided.
Nonetheless, committing a crime under the influence does not fully diminish the responsibility for it, which is why juveniles are faced with negative consequences. The pattern is maximized when substance use becomes frequent and turns into an addiction. As a result, the outcomes may become riskier, such as recidivism. On the other hand, the same research highlights that alcohol and nicotine use are linked to improved social relationships among adolescents. Said relationships may have a positive influence and have the role of protective factors that diminish the likelihood of delinquency.
Peers
It has been well established that one’s environment significantly influences a person’s behavioral patterns and outlook. One of the aspects of the external environment is the social group, which is especially significant in juveniles, as peer relationships are among the most powerful influences. Namely, researchers highlight that peers pressure juveniles to engage in non-conforming behavior, which sometimes escalates into criminal activity (Reeta, 2020).
As a result, a teenager is influenced by friends who partake in delinquency and feel the need to follow their example. On the other hand, the same researchers highlight that the risks are minimized if adolescents have friends who positively influence them. Thus, peer influence can simultaneously be a risk factor and a protective measure.
Gender
Gender is often assessed regarding crime and recidivism. Namely, the variable is examined due to the need to understand whether a particular gender is more likely to partake in minor criminal offenses. Indeed, studies show that juvenile males are more likely to face the adverse outcomes of committing delinquency (Campbell et al., 2018). The phenomenon may be linked to the expectations adolescent males face regarding their aggressive behavior, hormonal changes during puberty, and socioeconomic factors. At the same time, gender is a protective factor for female juveniles as they are less likely to commit crimes and, as a result, be punished for minor offenses.
Conclusion
Juvenile delinquency is undoubtedly a complex topic correlating with multiple elements, including one’s social life, substance use, and gender. Thus, males who use drugs and interact with peers who engage in criminal activity are more likely to be exposed to risks. Nonetheless, protective factors minimize said risks. Namely, females who have positive social interactions are less likely to have problems with the law because their experiences are different from those of a juvenile, who is more likely to express behavior correlating with delinquency.
References
Campbell, C., Papp, J., Barnes, A., Onifade, E., & Anderson, V. (2018). Risk assessment and juvenile justice. Criminology & Public Policy, 17(3), 525–545.
Frobel, W., Grafe, N., Meigen, C., Vogel, M., Hiemisch, A., Kiess, W., & Poulain, T. (2022). Substance use in childhood and adolescence and its associations with quality of life and behavioral strengths and difficulties. BMC Public Health, 22(1).
Reeta, V. (2020). Effect of peer influence on juvenile delinquency. Research Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences, 11(2), 148–152.