There has been a discussion that underage crime is linked to violence in the media. In my opinion, the main reason for this is children’s exposure to violent content, and possible solutions include parental supervision and promoting creative leisure activities.
To begin with, violent media content is a major contributor to juvenile delinquency. Since children can easily access inappropriate material online, they may become influenced by it and imitate aggressive behaviour in their daily lives—at home, at school, or in public spaces. For example, there have been news reports of young people who play Grand Theft Auto (GTA), a video game where players can freely act out scenarios such as bank robberies. Some children have mimicked these violent actions in real life, leading to vandalism or even sexual violence. This clearly shows how media content can negatively influence youth behaviour.
However, there are effective solutions to address this issue, particularly through parental supervision. Parents should monitor how their children use digital devices, such as computers and phones, which are the primary sources of media content. By limiting screen time and controlling what their children watch or play, parents can reduce the risk of harmful influences. Additionally, encouraging children to participate in extracurricular activities, such as sports, music, or art, can help them spend their time in more productive and positive ways. These alternatives can help reduce their dependence on screens and foster the development of their social and emotional skills.
In conclusion, while violent content in media can contribute to the rise in juvenile crime, parents can help prevent these negative behaviours by supervising media use and encouraging healthy, creative activities.