Today’s juveniles encounter a variety of issues and challenges that are very different, and in some cases more dangerous, than juveniles of previous generations. Societal changes related to technology, the family unit, drug use and abuse, and gangs among other things all present unique issues and challenges and, in some cases, lead to delinquent behaviors. For instance, over the past several decades, the number of single-parent and dual-earner households has increased, resulting in less parental supervision. In addition, the advent of the Internet and mobile communication technology now enables juveniles to interact with and befriend virtual strangers, without parental knowledge. These and many other societal changes not only influence the juvenile population in general, but also, in some cases, contribute to juvenile delinquency. Criminal justice professionals must be acutely aware of societal changes and anticipate how they might influence juveniles today and their behavior.
To prepare for this Discussion:
• Review the Interactive Module, “The Future of Juvenile Justice.” Consider how various societal changes affect juveniles today and contribute to juvenile delinquency.
• Review the assigned pages in Chapter 7 of the course text, Juvenile Delinquency. Focus on societal changes that might contribute to juvenile delinquency among females.
• Review Chapter 10 of the course text, Juvenile Delinquency. Think about how peer groups and gang involvement among juveniles might contribute to juvenile delinquency.
• Select two societal changes that influence today’s juveniles and consider how.
• Think about how and why the societal changes you selected might contribute to juvenile delinquency.