Major Concerns of Adolescence > Delinquency

Delinquency means when adolescents below 18 years do wrong or illegal things that society does not accept. These acts occur because they feel pressure or problems and try to solve them in unhealthy ways.

• Happens in the sensitive teenage years when many changes are hard to adjust to.
• Influenced a lot by friends and the outside environment.
• It includes breaking rules, disobeying parents/teachers, missing school, endangering health, or harming others.
• Delinquents act quickly, are impulsive, and don’t feel guilty about their actions.

• Special courts and juvenile homes are made to help young people, not punish them like adults.
• Reformatory Homes and Rehabilitation Centres support and counsel adolescents.
• Counselling, vocational guidance, teaching morals/values, yoga, and relaxation are given.
• Experts such as social workers and psychiatrists help them in small groups or through individual sessions.
• Parents are also counselled to understand their child and help them.

• Teachers and helpers should show sympathy and understanding, not anger.
• Flexible attitude helps—each child has a different story.
• Group activities boost self-esteem and help adolescents develop a better identity.
• Improving conditions in slum areas and giving education and activities helps reduce risk.
• Parents must give support, guidance, and help their children raise self-esteem and motivation.

Sometimes, a teenager runs away from home or skips school because of pressure or sadness. With special guidance and supportive parents and teachers, their behaviour can improve.

• Delinquency: Wrong acts by teens under 18 due to stress or problems.
• Causes: Broken home, bad parenting, poverty, peer pressure, mental issues.
• Features: Happens in teens, impulsive actions, influenced by friends.
• Handling: Special courts, counselling, reformatory homes, expert help.
• Prevention: Supportive parents/teachers, group activities, better living, and education.