Introduction
The focus is on the issue of delinquent and criminal behaviour among young people as they navigate the challenging transition from childhood to adulthood in a world that is becoming more complex and confusing. This issue has become a significant concern for many researchers, educators, and policymakers as they seek to understand the factors that contribute to this problem and develop effective strategies to prevent it. Factors such as poverty, social inequality, lack of parental guidance, peer pressure, and exposure to violence and crime are just some of the many issues that may contribute to delinquent and criminal behaviour among young people. Examining these issues aims to provide insight into the challenges facing young people today and to suggest ways in which we can work together to create a more supportive and nurturing environment for their growth and development.
An overview of delinquent behaviour among young people presents some of the basic assumptions that underlie our understanding of this phenomenon. The various factors that contribute to delinquent behaviour, including individual, family, peer, and community-level factors. Exploring these factors in-depth aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the complex and multifaceted nature of delinquent behaviour. Focuses on the causes of delinquent behaviour but also details effective approaches and measures for preventing juvenile delinquency. This gives particular attention to the development of educational, professional development, and community programs that provide young people with the skills and resources they need to make positive choices and avoid delinquent behaviour.
Another effective approach that the highlights are the value of restorative justice for both perpetrators and victims. This approach emphasizes repairing the harm caused by the offence, rather than simply punishing the offender. By providing opportunities for dialogue, reconciliation, and making amends, restorative justice can help to prevent further delinquent behaviour and promote healing for both the offender and the victim. Overall, presents a range of evidence-based approaches and measures for preventing juvenile delinquency and emphasizes the importance of a multi-faceted, community-based approach to addressing this complex issue.
Discussion
In today’s society, young people are often driven to manipulate and explore the unknown, seeking out new experiences and discovering the extraordinary. While this drive can lead to positive outcomes, such as innovative new ideas and creative solutions to complex problems, it can also have negative consequences. When young people are drawn to manipulate and explore things that they have not yet observed or experienced, they may engage in risky or even dangerous behaviour, potentially causing harm to themselves or others. Additionally, this behaviour may lead them down a path toward negative outcomes, such as addiction, crime, or other harmful activities.
However, it’s important to note that this drive to manipulate and explore the unknown is not necessarily a bad thing. It can be harnessed in positive ways, such as through scientific research or artistic expression. When young people are encouraged to explore their curiosity safely and constructively, it can lead to positive outcomes and contribute to their personal growth and development.
Overall, while the impulse to manipulate and explore something new can have both positive and negative consequences, it is an essential aspect of human nature that can be channeled in a positive direction with the right guidance and support. As such, adults and communities need to provide young people with opportunities to explore their curiosity safely and constructively, while also setting appropriate boundaries and guidelines to prevent negative outcomes.
Dark web
The dark web is a part of the internet that is intentionally hidden from search engines and requires specific software or configurations to access. While it can be used for legitimate purposes such as protecting the privacy and promoting free speech, it is also a haven for illegal activities such as drug trafficking, hacking, and human trafficking. One concerning trend is that some studies suggest that young people are increasingly drawn to the dark web, which can expose them to criminal activities. The anonymous and unregulated nature of the dark web makes it an attractive place for those seeking to engage in illegal activities, and young people may be particularly vulnerable to the allure of this hidden world. Exposure to the dark web and its criminal activities can have serious consequences for young people, potentially leading to involvement in illegal and dangerous behaviour that can harm themselves and others. Furthermore, the dark web can expose young people to harmful content and ideas that may be difficult to unsee or unlearn.
Online anonymity
The anonymity provided by the internet can be a double-edged sword, as it can empower young people to express themselves freely without fear of retribution or criticism, but it can also embolden them to engage in criminal activity, such as online harassment, cyberstalking, and hate speech. With the anonymity provided by the internet, young people can easily create fake or anonymous profiles and use them to perpetrate harmful behaviour online. This can be particularly troubling when it comes to criminal activity, as the sense of impunity that comes with anonymity can lead young people to engage in behaviour that they may not have otherwise considered. Online harassment, cyberstalking, and hate speech are just a few of the types of criminal activity that can be exacerbated by online anonymity. This behaviour can have serious consequences for their victims, causing emotional and psychological harm that can last long after the online interaction has ended.
Video game violence
The influence of video game violence on young people is a topic of ongoing debate among experts and scholars. While some studies suggest that exposure to violent video games can lead to increased aggressive behaviour among youth, others argue that the link between violent video games and real-world violence is not clear-cut. Some experts believe that playing violent video games can desensitize young people to violence and make aggressive behaviour seem more normal or acceptable. This can be particularly concerning when combined with other risk factors, such as a history of violent behaviour or exposure to violence in the home or community.[1] However, other experts argue that the evidence linking video game violence to real-world violence is inconclusive and that many other factors, such as mental health issues or access to weapons, may play a more significant role in determining violent behaviour.
Regardless of the exact nature of the relationship between video game violence and real-world aggression, it is clear that exposure to violent content can have negative effects on young people, including increased aggression, desensitization to violence, and other harmful behaviour. As such, it is important for parents, educators, and other adults to be aware of the potential risks associated with violent video games and to monitor young people’s media use to ensure that they are engaging with age-appropriate content.’
NCRB DATA
According to the “National Crime Records Bureau” (NCRB) data for the year 2017, more than 40,000 juveniles were caught in criminal offences across India. Of these, 72% were in the 16-18 age group, suggesting that older teens may be at higher risk of engaging in criminal behaviour.[2] The data also revealed that theft and burglary were the most common offences committed by juveniles, followed by rioting and drug-related offences. This highlights the importance of addressing the underlying factors that may contribute to criminal behaviour among young people, such as poverty, lack of education, and exposure to violence and other risk factors.
According to data released by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB)[3], a significant majority of juveniles who were apprehended for breaking the law under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Special and Local Laws (SLL) in 2017[4] were aged between 16 and 18 years. Specifically, out of the total of 40,420 cases, 29,194 cases, or 72.2%, fell into this age bracket.[5] The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), which operates under the jurisdiction of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs,[6] has the mandate to collect and analyze crime data in India. Specifically, the NCRB is responsible for tracking and documenting criminal activities that are defined by the Indian Penal Code and special and local laws across the country. [7]
Conclusion
Effective implementation of these laws is also crucial to the success of any cybercrime prevention strategy. This involves ensuring that law enforcement agencies are adequately trained and equipped to investigate and prosecute cybercrimes and that the public is aware of the risks and consequences associated with online criminal activities. Overall, a comprehensive and coordinated approach to cybercrime prevention, which includes both legislation and effective implementation, is essential for protecting young people in India and promoting a safer and more secure online environment for all.
Author(s) Name: Pragyan Chaurasiya (Indian Institute of Management, Rohtak)
Reference(s):
[1] Bedi A, ‘Educated’ Juveniles Committed Crimes More than the ‘Illiterate’ Ones in 2017, Says NCRB’ (The Print, 24 October 2019) <https://theprint.in/india/educated-juveniles-crimes-more-illiterate-ones-2017-ncrb/310527/> accessed 12 February 2023
[2] Over 40,000 Juveniles Caught in 2017, 72 percent in 16-18 Age Group: NCRB Data (The New Indian Express, October22, 2019) <https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2019/oct/22/over40000juvenilescaughtin201772percentin1618agegroupncrbdata2051445.html#:~:text=Over%2040%2C000%20juveniles%20were%20caught%20across%20the%20country,the%20age%20group%20from%2016%20to%2018%20years> accessed 12 February 2023
[3] (2020) National Crime Records Bureau <https://ncrb.gov.in/en/node/3419> accessed 12 February 2023
[4] Guru, S. (2019) SLL (Special Local Laws), Cyber Secure India <https://cybersecureindia.in/tag/sll-special-local-laws/> accessed 12 February 2023
[5] (2020) National Crime Records Bureau. Available at: https://ncrb.gov.in/en/node/3419 (Accessed: February 12, 2023).
[6] (2022) National Crime Records Bureau <https://ncrb.gov.in/en> accessed 6 March 2023
[7] ‘NCRB Report: A Status Check on Crimes in the Country’ (The Hindu: Breaking News, India News, Sports News and Live Updates, 21 September 2021) <www.thehindu.com/specials/ncrb-data-a-status-check-on-crimes-in-the-country/article56832275.ece> accessed 6 March 2023
