The number of teenagers who commit crimes is raising day by day. Therefore, many people debate whether teenagers should receive the punishment as adults do? I believe that a teenager is not mature enough to be punished equally as adult.
It is believed by many people that punishment should be equal for every criminal, even for young ones. This is because consequences of the crime cannot be cancelled. Imagine a family who loses a family member due to homicide. They still will experience sorrow, pain, emotional and financial problems. These consequences cannot be ignored and forgotten because of the criminal’s age; it is still a crime. Therefore, why people should make punishment less severe if consequences stay the same? It definitely will devalue victim’s loss, making the decision unfair.
However, I personally believe that teenagers should not receive the same punishment because they are immature and legally are still kids. It is well known that people are under parents’ responsibility under the age of 18; so they are still in charge of their parents while being teenager. It is parents’ responsibility to teach about basic moral values: do not steal, kill, respect other people and etc. So being a criminal at a young age is basically parents’ fault. Therefore, for young criminals other types of punishment will be much more effective. Special treatment or work directly with both parents and kids can help prevent recidivism, treat mental issues. Although punishment and treatment have the same aim – to reduce crime generally, treatment shows real results and recovery of criminals. This is why teenagers cannot be subjected to punishment, and psychological support is more effective.
In conclusion, people who commit crime in young age should not be punished. However, treatment and psychological support are needed.