Behavioral science has evolved to such a stage when many scientists believe that we are now capable of predicting whether three-year-olds may grow up to be criminals, just by observing, studying and analyzing their behaviors. It seems like the destiny of this child has already been written from the perspective of genetics, but I still believe that much can be done to prevent these toddlers from getting into crime in their later life.
There are mainly two foundational schools of thought in psychology (nature vs. nurture) that focus on finding out about the root cause of criminal behaviors. The genetic determinist scholars claim that specific genes lurking in children’s bodies can make it easier for those carrying these ‘bad’ genes to get so irritated and violent, or to even show early signs of antisocial behaviors. These genetic codes embedded in their DNA function like computer instructions, telling how the children’s personalities, temperaments, and behavioral tendencies will be as they grow up. Another equally significant factor in shaping a criminal mind that nurturists champion is the environment where children live, grow, and develop. It is to say that children raised by parents who struggle with alcohol or drug addiction are much more likely to commit crimes than children who grow up in loving and supportive homes. Therefore, the development of children’s behavior is not independently affected by genes or their environment alone, but by a combination of these two.
Effective child crime prevention, therefore, must 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 latest research findings from behavioral psychology, which mainly explores how childhood adversity, social support, and behavioral factors are associated with criminal behaviors in adulthood. Moreover, if we can have a more reliable biotech than what has been shown in Steve Spielberg’s classic Sci-Fi movie—”Minority Report”, to identify potential juvenile offenders and to foresee the specific crimes they might commit, the relevant societal toll will be remarkably reduced. Additionally, parents play a vital role in this endeavor by being good role models and creating a stable, safe, and nurturing home environment for their children, as minors require constant care and guidance from their parents and their brains are not inherently wired to follow didactic instructions. When these children grow older, they need to go to school and spend much time with their teachers; in this case, teachers should perform their duties as educators to teach their students how to be responsible 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.