It is true that crime rates among children and teenagers are rising across many countries. This social problem is due to two main reasons, and in my opinion, punishment for these young offenders should be flexible.
The increasing number of crimes committed by children and teenagers is attributed to two main reasons. The first reason is a lack of parental supervision. In some modern families, both parents rarely have time to keep an eye on their children’s activities, resulting in a lack of knowledge and misbehavior. The second reason is that children tend to imitate peers around them. Teenagers are highly influenced by their peers, and, in some circumstances, committing crimes is seen as a means of achieving respect, leading to misunderstanding and being a burden on society.
The punishment for these young criminals should be flexible. These lawbreakers should be sent to reform schools if their wrongdoing is not serious. For example, if a teenager steals a small amount of money from his friends, it is better to send him to a special school where he can learn to distinguish between right and wrong rather than imprisoning him. However, those who commit serious crimes, such as violent attacks or murder, should receive severe punishment. These criminals should be sent to prison for a long time, which would deter them from committing crimes again and ensure the safety of other citizens.
In conclusion, a lack of parental supervision and the bad behavior of those around them are mainly responsible for the increasing number of young criminals, and these young offenders should be treated according to the seriousness of their wrongdoing.