Juvenile delinquency is defined as the habitual acts of committing violent offenses that is under the law by a young person. Skipping school, going to school while they are drunk, involvement in a group or massive fight, bullying, hiding a weapon and bringing it into the school are part of violent offenses that every student may commit. These acts are not called “crimes” as they would be for adults (18 and above). When young people especially students engaged themselves in alcohol and drugs, usually their family and other people in the community carries the burden that they might bring in the society.
Students who are committing illegal or illicit acts should know the consequences of their action and the effects of these to their classmates where crime was inflicted. Parents should also know how to understand the action of their children. They should know the factors affecting juvenile delinquency among youth and may be informed on how to discipline their children and hone them in a socially sustainable way. The community member can also build a strong alliance against juvenile delinquency and be more productive in terms of cooperating in the alliance. It can also change their perspective to the issue by knowing the factors affecting juvenile crimes and help youths who are involved in the problem – creating a good elder – youth relationship.
Juvenile delinquency is not just a mischievous pranks, it is more than that. Some of the illicit acts can be quite serious against another person. Youth, especially students should know the state laws regarding juvenile delinquency and understand the procedures and penalties involved when they commit juvenile delinquency inside and outside of the school.
In the Philippines, efforts to answer the prevailing problem to child delinquency were implemented for so many years. The Department of Education with the help of the public and private schools promote a child-friendly school which was started for over ten years ago. This program aims to cater students a safe and healthy environment for the principle that the school is the second home of each student. Many efforts are made by the department to sustain this idea, they put-up Guidance and Counseling Office for each school to welfare the student’s psychological, emotional, and social needs.
Moreover, continuing these programs may help the young ones to develop their interpersonal skills that will mold them to become a better person. Lastly, as an individual, let us help promote the implementation of Child-Friendly School in each community.
By: Juaymah Daine D. Rivera
