It is argued that the same punishments should be applied to both young criminals and adults who commit offenses. In my opinion, I agree with this perspective only if the crime is serious.
There are several reasons why it is inappropriate to impose the same punishments on both adolescent and adult criminals. Firstly, young people may commit only minor offenses, which cause minimal harm to society. It is often more effective to rehabilitate them through family support or educational programs. Secondly, adolescents may not be mature enough to fully understand that their actions can negatively impact society, and these behaviors often stem from peer pressure. For example, students who experience bullying may be coerced by their bullies into engaging in illegal activities such as theft or robbery, which can have serious consequences for others.
However, I argue that strict penalties, including prison sentences, should be imposed on young offenders who commit serious crimes. Such punishments can demonstrate to young people that heinous actions have consequences, helping to deter future crime within communities. In some countries, like Vietnam, young offenders under the age of eighteen may be put on probation even for severe crimes such as murder. Consequently, the number of young people breaking the law in Vietnam has been rising rapidly. Therefore, it is essential for governments to adopt a policy of zero tolerance for dangerous crimes, regardless of the offender’s age.
In conclusion, I believe that juvenile offenders who commit serious crimes should face the same consequences as adults.