People have different views as to whether young individuals who commit crimes should be punished in the same way as adults. While some argue that applying such strict punishments can have positive effects in shaping their future, I believe that children should be treated with greater consideration, as their cognitive development and decision-making abilities are still in progress, which limits their capacity to fully understand the long-term consequences of their actions.
Those who believe punishing children like adults can benefit their future cite various reasons. When young people engage in illegal acts such as stealing or bullying, they are highly likely to develop these habits later in life. Such behavior may lead to severe outcomes, such as bank robbery or even homicide, in their future. Therefore, applying adult-level legal consequences can tackle this problem early. A good case in point is my home country, Uzbekistan, where young offenders are sentenced to at least two weeks of detention if they commit a crime. This use of legal force has influenced other children to avoid criminal activities, acting as a powerful deterrent. Moreover, serious intervention prevents youth from adopting unhealthy lifestyles or remaining surrounded by delinquent peers.
However, I believe that children should be treated based on their age because they are not yet mature enough to fully differentiate right from wrong. When a young offender commits a crime – whether consciously or unconsciously – and is given a severe legal punishment, they are likely to lose interest in their future. After being released from jail, it may become nearly impossible for them to reintegrate into their community. Neighbors may label them as criminals, which leads to social marginalization, depression, and high levels of stress. Moreover, a criminal record can hinder them from finding employment later in life. Such consequences may actually drive them back toward criminal activities as a means of survival, making it even more difficult for governments to resolve the issue of recidivism.
In conclusion, while treating young individuals as adults may deter future criminal actions, I believe it brings more disadvantages to the offenders’ long-term development. Therefore, children should be disciplined with their age and mental maturity in mind.