There is a view that the same treatment should be applied to all individuals—both young and adult—who commit crimes. While some argue in favour of this idea, I strongly disagree with it for two main reasons.
The main reason why some people support this proposal is that equal treatment could serve as a deterrent to reduce crime rates among young people—and for good reason. This is primarily because, if such an approach were put into practice, many youths would be more cautious about breaking the law. Seeing their peers face serious consequences might make them more aware of the repercussions and encourage them to make better, more lawful decisions.
Despite this strong argument, I still believe that equal treatment is an unwise decision. One key reason for my opposition is the immaturity of young people. It is clear that they are not mature enough to fully understand the negative consequences of their actions and often make impulsive decisions. This stands in stark contrast to adults, who are generally psychologically and mentally mature and tend to commit crimes deliberately.
In addition, another significant point is the disruption of academic progress. While in prison, young people have limited opportunities to focus on their future goals, such as attending school and being surrounded by positive and thoughtful individuals. Instead, they may end up forming friendships with ill-behaved inmates and exchanging ideas centered around crime, which could negatively influence their behavior.
In conclusion, applying the same treatment may be feasible in some cases; however, considering the potential adverse consequences for young people’s futures, it may be unwise.