Throughout the history, parents have always been the primary source of education for youth. These parental education forms children’s justice and moral systems, guiding their behaviors and actions. Therefore, it can be argued that educating parents about parenting skills could reduce youth crime.
Nowadays, we tend to blame on the parents of youth criminals. There is a generalization that because of the lack of familial cares and sense of belonging, youth are committing more crimes. Although, this perspective oversimplifies the issues and the factors, the surrounding familial environment heavily influences their ethics. By teaching parents, the most optimal methods to educate their children, there is a potential path towards mitigation. The effective parenting skills such as emotional support, positive discipline, and communication, could set a naturing environment for growth. With the emotional and social development, it could reduce the likelihood for them to commit crimes
However, some educationalist may argue that improvement in parenting skill does minimum influences on youth crime. The presence of communities, friends, and educational facilities also impacts children’s behaviors. Long periods of schooling from nursery to higher education provide children varying perspectives and beliefs, significantly influencing their behaviors, and choices, which might lead to youth crime.
Although there are several factors influencing youth crime, the early education from parents dramatically influences them. The familial environment that they are in could increase or decrease the probability of lawbreaking acts. The improvement in their parenting skills could therefore positively impact its environment and youth. Yet, a comprehensive approach addressing the community as a whole could enhance this effect.