Peer Pressure can Lead to Juvenile Crime

Peer pressure can lead a teen to do just about anything, even criminal activities! Read on to learn how peer pressure among teens can lead to crime and ways to prevent it.

There are a number of reasons why a teen would commit a crime - stress, a bad upbringing, drug abuse - but peer pressure is up there at the top in playing a very prominent role in it. The teen years are the years mostly made up of development and exploring life. Teenagers are young, immature and haven't experienced much, so there is a high chance they will make the wrong decisions.

Because teens are still young and stupid and not fully mentally evolved, they often do not make the right decision. This is why preventative measures must be taken to prevent acts of crime because of the dreaded peer pressure.

These are some reasons why teens end up committing crimes under peer pressure.

Check the Environment
Often in today’s society crime is a part of the regular life. There are cities where violence is an everyday affair, for instance, there are scuffles, shootouts, gang wars and so on. Even domestic crimes in myriad forms can prove to be a harmful and negative environment for the kid to grow up. Such conditions enhance the chances of the teen to fall victim to commit criminal activities under peer pressure. Besides such an environment also fosters the birth and functioning of peer groups that indulge in violence.

Bad Role Models
Usually teens follow the behaviours, look and acts of their role models. If the role model happens to be a negative one, it is possible that the teen would indulge in crime either under peer pressure readily, or commit it solo. As teens it is not easy for them to understand the implication of law and legal regulations for certain acts, so they may misjudge the impact of the criminal offense right at the beginning. Peers often instill a false belief that if they do such an act together, they can escape being caught.

Extreme Dependence on Peers
If the peer group is a negative one, it is quite possible for the teen to get involved in criminal activities easily. The first reason being that they might be bullied to become a member of the peer group as otherwise, they might be isolated and labelled as ‘uncool’. So in order to fit in, they give in and become an active participant. They also validate their ideas by the peer group and shape their thoughts as per the dictates of the peer group.

Given such a situation, it can be pretty challenging to control the peer pressure and crime relationship. Through effective parenting and guidance, this can be achieved. Put an end to aggression right at the beginning. Teach the teen to control his emotions and anger, help him learn how to exercise restraint. The first point to keep in mind here is that, you should become a good role model yourself. You must not lose your temper and maintain calm.

You can help the teen learn a lot through your composure and patient attitude. Advise him to practice exercises like meditation or yoga sessions, even regular physical workouts or sports so that he can effectively control his emotions when provoked. Teach him that issues can be resolved through peaceful communications too.



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