Behavioral science has evolved to the stage where many believe we can predict whether a child as young as three year old may grow up to be criminals, just by observing and studying their behaviors. Although in this scenario it seems like the destiny of this child has been predetermined from the perspective of genetics, I still believe that there is much can be done to prevent these toddlers from ending up behind bars.
There are mainly two mainstream theories in developmental psychology (nature vs. nurture) that study and explain the correlation between criminal behaviors and human nature. On one hand, it’s already been proven that specific genes lurked in children’s body can make it easier for those carrying these ‘bad’ genes to get so irritated and violent. The bio codes written in their genes are like computer instructions, to be compiled and executed to perform specific genetic tasks such as determining people’s personalities, temperament and behavioral tendency at large. On the other hand, for shaping of a criminal mind another equally significant factor is the environment where children live, grow and develop. Few would deny that if a child was brought up by parents with alcohol or drug addition, the odds for this poor child to commit crimes would be extremely higher than those growing up in a loving, warm and positive home. Therefore, the development of human behavior is effected not just by genes or environment alone, but in fact a combination of these two.
Effective child crime prevention strategies must therefore focus on addressing both genetic and environmental factors at the same time. First, our governments should take the initiative to devise and implement child crime prevention strategies based on the progress in behavioral psychology, and to make the public realize the indispensable implications of this strategy on the society. Moreover, If we can have a more reliable biotech than what’s been shown in the Steve Spielberg’s classic Sci-Fi movie—”Minority Report”, to identify and help potential juvenile offenders before they can do any harm, the social toll that needs to be taken on juvenile crimes will be remarkably minimized. Additionally, parents can also contribute to this effort by being a good role model for their children, as preschoolers need to be looked after all the time by their parents and their brains aren’t naturally wired to follow didactic directions. When these children grow older, they need to go to school and spend much time with faculty everyday, therefore teachers should perform their duties to teach their students how to be good citizens.
In conclusion, while genetic factors might play a role in influencing children’s behavior, they are not the sole determinant of criminal activity. Environmental influences are equally, if not more significant. Effective child crime prevention requires a comprehensive approach that addresses both genetic predispositions and environmental factors, fostering supportive environments and providing resources to at-risk children and families.