Some experts argue that by analyzing infants’ behavior, predicting whether they will commit a crime in the future is possible. However, I disagree to the fullest extent, as I believe there are other factors that can affect a criminal throughout their entire life after childhood.
First and foremost, parents, the environment a child grows up in, the educational system, and also their circle of friends are significantly important. The combination of these elements, which are major contributors to the formation of an individual’s moral qualities, might lead a child to become a criminal. Young children often observe their surroundings and the people around them, and then imitate their beliefs and personal qualities. Although genes and nature play a crucial role in a person’s character, the importance of nurture far outweighs genetic influence. Take children who live in poverty-stricken neighborhoods and dysfunctional families as an example — the possibility of engaging in illegal activities is extremely higher than for those who grow up in a loving family.
Educating children at school could be beneficial, since young people can be taught what is morally right and wrong from an early age. However, other factors are more influential, as children spend only a limited amount of time in school and are affected by their family members and close friends much more. For instance, although people in charge are trying to decrease crime, their efforts are not as successful as they should be.
To sum up, a criminal is at the mercy of the environment in which they were brought up, in addition to genetic influences that cannot be changed. Hence, preventing crimes by teaching youngsters is not fully possible.