A teenager may indulge in criminal activities due to peer pressure. Read on to know how can peer pressure lead to crime and ways to prevent crime in your teenager. There are umpteen reasons on what can lead a teen to commit a crime, and more often than not it is found that peer pressure plays a prominent role in it. Teenage is a stage when the individual is developing and learning through exploration. They are young, inexperienced and yet to become mature. Thereby, the possibilities of misjudging a situation and taking wrong decisions are innumerable. These are some reasons why teens end up committing crimes under peer pressure. Often it is difficult to make the teen responsible for the criminal act which he commits as he is not yet fully evolved mentally to make the correct decision or use his discretion with the desired understanding. So measures must be taken so as to prevent acts of crime or potential crimes under peer pressure by teens. In this articleCheck the EnvironmentBad Role ModelsExtreme Dependence on PeersCheck the Environment Often in today’s society crime is a part of the regular life. Like, there are cities where violence is an everyday affair. Like for instance, there are scuffles, shootouts, gang wars and so on. Even domestic crimes in myriad forms can prove to be a harmful and negative environment for the kid to grow up. Such conditions enhance the chances of the teen to fall victim to commit criminal activities under peer pressure. Besides such an environment also fosters the birth and functioning of peer groups that indulge in violence. Bad Role Models Usually teens follow the behaviours, look and acts of their role models. If the role model happens to be a negative one, it is possible that the teen would indulge in crime either under peer pressure readily, or commit it solo. As teens it is not easy for them to understand the implication of law and legal regulations for certain acts, so they may misjudge the impact of the criminal offense right at the beginning. Peers often instill a false belief that if they do such an act together, they can escape being caught. Extreme Dependence on Peers If the peer group is a negative one, it is quite possible for the teen to get involved in criminal activities easily. The first reason being that they might be bullied to become a member of the peer group as otherwise, they might be isolated and labelled as ‘uncool’. So in order to fit in, they give in and become an active participant. They also validate their ideas by the peer group and shape their thoughts as per the dictates of the peer group. Given such a situation, it can be pretty challenging to control the peer pressure and crime relationship. Through effective parenting and guidance, this can be achieved. Put an end to aggression right at the beginning. Teach the teen to control his emotions and anger, help him learn how to exercise restraint. The first point to keep in mind here is that, you should become a good role model yourself. You must not lose your temper and maintain calm. You can help the teen learn a lot through your composure and patient attitude. Advise him to practice exercises like meditation or yoga sessions, even regular physical workouts or sports so that he can effectively control his emotions when provoked. Teach him that issues can be resolved through peaceful communications too.
A teenager may indulge in criminal activities due to peer pressure. Read on to know how can peer pressure lead to crime and ways to prevent crime in your teenager. There are umpteen reasons on what can lead a teen to commit a crime, and more often than not it is found that peer pressure plays a prominent role in it. Teenage is a stage when the individual is developing and learning through exploration. They are young, inexperienced and yet to become mature. Thereby, the possibilities of misjudging a situation and taking wrong decisions are innumerable. These are some reasons why teens end up committing crimes under peer pressure.
Often it is difficult to make the teen responsible for the criminal act which he commits as he is not yet fully evolved mentally to make the correct decision or use his discretion with the desired understanding. So measures must be taken so as to prevent acts of crime or potential crimes under peer pressure by teens.
Check the Environment
Often in today’s society crime is a part of the regular life. Like, there are cities where violence is an everyday affair. Like for instance, there are scuffles, shootouts, gang wars and so on. Even domestic crimes in myriad forms can prove to be a harmful and negative environment for the kid to grow up. Such conditions enhance the chances of the teen to fall victim to commit criminal activities under peer pressure. Besides such an environment also fosters the birth and functioning of peer groups that indulge in violence.
Bad Role Models
Usually teens follow the behaviours, look and acts of their role models. If the role model happens to be a negative one, it is possible that the teen would indulge in crime either under peer pressure readily, or commit it solo. As teens it is not easy for them to understand the implication of law and legal regulations for certain acts, so they may misjudge the impact of the criminal offense right at the beginning. Peers often instill a false belief that if they do such an act together, they can escape being caught.
Extreme Dependence on Peers
If the peer group is a negative one, it is quite possible for the teen to get involved in criminal activities easily. The first reason being that they might be bullied to become a member of the peer group as otherwise, they might be isolated and labelled as ‘uncool’. So in order to fit in, they give in and become an active participant. They also validate their ideas by the peer group and shape their thoughts as per the dictates of the peer group.
Given such a situation, it can be pretty challenging to control the peer pressure and crime relationship. Through effective parenting and guidance, this can be achieved. Put an end to aggression right at the beginning. Teach the teen to control his emotions and anger, help him learn how to exercise restraint. The first point to keep in mind here is that, you should become a good role model yourself. You must not lose your temper and maintain calm.
You can help the teen learn a lot through your composure and patient attitude. Advise him to practice exercises like meditation or yoga sessions, even regular physical workouts or sports so that he can effectively control his emotions when provoked. Teach him that issues can be resolved through peaceful communications too.