Underage crime needs more attention

By Zhang Yan (China Daily)
Updated: 2009-11-19 10:22

The rate of underage crime has been increasing, and the age of young offenders has been getting younger and younger.

According to its legal definition, underage people are those under 18. There can be many reasons for the underage people to commit crimes. They include low education level, materialistic desire and disrespect of the law.

Worryingly, young offenders also tend to be as violent as their adult counterparts. Many parents wish their children grow into responsible and constructive members of society. But some do not know how to raise their children with patience and understanding. Some use violence to discipline their children.

Young people are not physically or mentally mature, and are also easily tempted by the "colorful world" that is plagued by such social issues as prostitution, violence and corruption. To make things worse, schools usually pay more attention to students' test results, instead of their overall development.

The healthy growth of children not only requires correct parental guidance, but a good living environment created by the public and society. I think it's time for society to look at the issue more seriously and adopt practical measures to help our young children cope with the pressure of modern day life.

First, society should take greater effort to protect children. Schools should not expel student offenders. Instead, they should help them. The mass media should take the lead in keeping children from pornographic and violent content.

Second, police, schools and parents should try harder to help young offenders rehabilitate themselves. More such offenders can be offered probation so they can correct themselves without going to a correctional facility.

Third, criminal records of children should be deleted when they turn into adults, so as to make it easier for them to enter society.

Young people should also be given more training opportunities to prepare for their future careers. Those who are out of rehabilitation programs should not be discriminated against by employers.

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