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Paper Abstract: Examines the rising rate of juvenile crime; causes, effects & social reaction. Paper Introduction: Crime committed in America by people under eighteen years of age is increasing at an alarming rate. Further, the level of violent crimes, where assault and/or murder is involved also is increasing. The reasons for this are many, ranging from such contemporary problems as drugs, one-parent homes, television's influence, poverty and racial prejudices. The purpose of this paper will to be examine the rising rate of juvenile crime, including a look at the causes, the effect on the public and society's reaction. The FBI crime count for 1986-which showed an unexpected 12 percent rise in violent crime reports nationwide--said that nearly one in ten accused murderers are under the age of eighteen (Gest, & Kyle, 1987, p. 50). Between 1983 and 1987, arrests of those over eighteen for murder jumped 22.2 percent while Text of the Paper: The entire text of the paper is shown below. However, the text is somewhat scrambled. We want to give you as much information as we possibly can about our papers and essays, but we cannot give them away for free. In the text below you will find that while disordered, many of the phrases are essentially intact. From this text you will be able to get a solid sense of the writing style, the concepts addressed, and the sources used in the research paper. In addition, violent youths frequently have neurological problems andlearning disorders. Cities are witnessingkillings and assaults by its juveniles wanting their victim's clothing.Examples extend from expensive tennis shoes to jackets to caps. Further, among the most offensive displays of brutality to women arethe slasher films featuring graphic and erotic scenes of female mutilation,rape or murder. The plug-in drug. They are especially popular among the eleven-to-fifteen-year-olds who will watch three or four at an all-night "gross-out" party (Toufexis, 12 June 1989, p. Teenagers are turning more and more toward theirpeer group for values rather than those of their parents and teachers. Today, young criminals are even younger andcrossing all races, classes and life-styles. Carl Bell, a Chicagopsychiatrist, says, "Violence is the weapon of the powerless" (p. Ranging fromshouting slurs and vandalism to physical violence and death threats, thisovert bigotry marks a disturbing decline in civility among today's youth.Daniel Levitas, executive director of the Center for Democratic Renewal, anorganization that monitors acts of bigotry, says: "The level of bigotedviolence has reached epidemic levels in America" (Levine, 199 , p. New York: Henry Holt. And what this lack ofparenting breeds is misshapen personalities" (p. 54). It was something they talked about as if it gave them status withinthat group of guys" (p. America's youthful bigots. The reasonsfor this are many, ranging from such contemporary problems as drugs, one-parent homes, television's influence, poverty and racial prejudices. Inaddition, the poll found that the public believes more government spendingon educational and recreational facilities for teenagers and a greaterrestraint on the showing of sex and violence on television could help inslowing down the crime rate (p. Levine, A. U.S. And, though the offenders areoverwhelmingly male, girls are also capable of violent crimes. Comicbooks, in some cases the only source of outside reading for juveniles, arealso capitalizing on the violent trend with murder, sometimes blending sexand sadism, as a main feature. Teachers can instruct children in the facts ofsexuality but they cannot convey the emotional complexities (p. "The youngster who taunts siblings, bulliesschoolmates, tortures pets or peeks in windows is sending up warningflares" (Toufexis, 12 June 1989, p. Many believe these sexually explicit movies are changing young malesattitudes about women and that they are a contributing factor to date rape,one of the most common adolescent sexual crimes. 52). Shawn Johnston, a forensicpsychologist in Sacramento, says: "These children are dead inside. A look at violentchildren's electroencephalograms shows that many are grossly abnormal. U.S. Society, 2. News & World Report, 5 -51. Aresearch team at the school has been systematically monitoring televisionprogramming since 1967. Kids, crime and punishment. 5 ). In Detroitalone, 43 youths were killed and 365 wounded by gunfire in 1986 (Gest,1987, p. They bragabout their illegal activities and appear uncaring about victims' pain.Cases have been solved because the youths have been unable to keep theirmouth shut. Telander, R. Another source of the problem can be found in rock music. Instead, ithas remained high. Residents trappedin the ghettos may have no sense of hope or opportunity and therefore feelthey have little stake in preserving society. For a great number of young boys, their first sexual experience isat a slasher movie. 57). These children, abandoned bytheir parents either physically, emotionally or both, will look elsewherefor companionship, acceptance and values. As a result, killings, harassments andassaults continue to climb. The percentage ofwomen working with children at home under eighteen rose from 54 percent In198 to 65 percent in 1988. Crime committed in America by people under eighteen years of age isincreasing at an alarming rate. DorothyOtnow Lewis, professor of psychiatry at New York University, says: "Kidsare being raised by more and more disturbed parents. 6 ). They are not necessarily violent or nonviolentcriminals. Though most are contained incartoons, experts warn that parents should not underestimate the effectthat humorous and fantasy violence have on children. Instead of watching loving parents, many see yelling, anger andabuse. Studies have shownthat rough athletes and violent prisoners have higher than normal levels ofthis hormone. Absentee parents. 54). period, whenthe greatest number of children are in the viewing audience, is becomingthe most violent hour of prime-time programming, according to a reportissued by the University of Pennsylvania's Annenberg School ofCommunications in September 1986 (Violent Family Hour, 1987, p. The 1982 updated federal government report concluded thatthe "evidence shows that excessive violence on TV leads directly toaggressive and violent behavior among children and teenagers" (Winn, 1985,p. While the total size of the teenage population shrank twopercent from 1983 to 1987, the arrests of juveniles under eighteen for drugabuse violations rose five percent (p. 99). The FBI crime count for 1986-which showed an unexpected 12 percentrise in violent crime reports nationwide--said that nearly one in tenaccused murderers are under the age of eighteen (Gest, & Kyle, 1987, p.5 ). With the value system of 198 sappearing to glorify money and instant gratification, these childrenoperate on instinct to obtain what they want. Violent behavior can become contagious,some enjoying the excitement generated, others feeling trapped. New York:Penguin.----------------------- 13 While young males are responsible for most of the crime, only a smallnumber of them, around six percent, are actually responsible for most ofthe violent crime committed by juveniles (Kramer, 1988, p. Facing a decline in parental responsibility for children's actionsand a generation unfamiliar with past struggles for justice and equality,teachers are finding it difficult to shake prejudices that are witnesseddaily in intolerant parents. (1988). Further, as abuse victims, they will most likelyperpetuate the lessons taught then. Television keeps children quiet and passive, cuts down on loudand boisterous play, and eliminates a number of potentially destructive"experiments" children might be indulging in around the house orneighborhood. (1987, January-February). 59). Pattison, R. Chicagopolice sergeant Michael Chasen says: "When you really think about thecrime itself--taking someone's clothes off their body--you can't get muchmore basic" (Telander, 199 , pp. The mean machine? As television's capacitygrew, congressional studies were undertaken throughout the 195 s, 196 s and197 s on this very issue. 54). 59). Statistical studies from the past have suggested a profile of violentjuvenile offenders. Educational failures. And parents need to take a long look at themselves,for the values of today's youth are merely magnified reflections of thevalues of their elders. Experts give a host of reasons to explain this phenomenon, rangingfrom physiological and psychological abnormalities to family and culturaldecay (Toufexis, 12 June 1989, p. During this time theyare being instructed in what is right and what is wrong and that hurtfulactions have consequences. However, most experts believe it is too late for new programs.Instead, it is important that violent-prone youths be identified and helpedbefore it is too late. 52). Forthem to feel alive and important, they engage in terrible types of sadisticactivity" (p. However, many children fail to acquire thesevalues due to a number of factors including neglect and abuse. In fact, crimes of asexual nature are rising among the white middle-class youths of America.Kim Gandy of the National Organization for Women says: "Our children arelearning that it is acceptable to victimize women (Toufexis, 5 June 1989,p. Easy access to alcohol, guns and drugs have been behind much of theviolence perpetrated by youth gangs. But the experience of television itself and its effects upona child's perception of reality is a key factor in any discussion oftelevision violence. (1988, August 2 ). Violent family hour. Teenagers and sex crimes. However, it is more likely thateach or a combination of these factors contribute to the increased violenceamong today's youth. 52). Peer influence. Further, theytend to be school dropouts and for all practical purposes are unemployable. 57).Others agree, saying: "It relieves boredom and makes a statement, likegraffiti, that says, 'Notice me'" (p. Drugs. Children receive little or no attention orsupervision at home because their parents are working. 2. Between 1983 and 1987, arrests of those over eighteen for murderjumped 22.2 percent while aggravated assault went up 18.6 percent and raperose 14.6 percent (Toufexis, 12 June 1989, p. Further,those who commit these types of crimes do so frequently: "Many delinquentboys reported having committed about ten serious crimes for every one forwhich they were arrested" (p.13). And, while it may be the parent they really hate,innocent victims become the surrogate targets. One out of every five children in America lives in ahousehold with an income below the poverty level ($11,611 in 1987 for afamily of four). Further, the level of violent crimes,where assault and/or murder is involved also is increasing. 13). News &World Report, 59-6 . Referring to a particularly brutal case solved through thismanner, Pat O'Brien, Cook County deputy state's attorney, says: "It was abadge. Society is now trying to deal with the overwhelming problemsassociated with teenage violence. Violence stemming from bigotry has also increased. 4. 52). Examples exist such as the twelve-year-old boy whoset himself ablaze while imitating his favorite "Motley Crue" video,thinking it was fantasy and that nothing would happen (Pattison, 1988, p.14 . Children who are given everything come to believe they areentitled to anything and that they are above others and above the law. Further, today, 24 percent of families withchildren are headed by a single parent. At a tender age. Parents have a particularly hard time buying into the idea thattelevision violence will lead normal children to become juveniledelinquents, however, especially because its function in the home is sodifferent. 57). 54). Between 198 and 1987, the number of childrenreported abused and neglected doubled from 1.2 million to 2.2 million. Sports Illustrated, 36-49. They are the "bigot next door." Analysts see manydisturbing signs that point to growing levels of intolerance among youngpeople in what is now a permissive climate in which to vent their hatred.And, though the majority of incidences are happening on college campuses,educators are concerned about the rising violence permeating the highschools across America due to bigotry. (1987, January-February). (1987, August 24). Manyconsider this dominant force in teenage culture to be potentiallydestructive. 57). The Surgeon General's "Report on Television andSocial Behavior," published in 1972, and updated in 1982, devoted 8 percent of the study to the effects of viewing violent television programs(Winn, 1985, p. Winn, M. However, "raging hormones" and their physiology have always been apart of the male youth and society has usually controlled them through itsbasic institutions, such as home, schools and church. The percentage of teenagers dropping outof high school is now running above 25 percent. As a result, children are left emotional cripples, self-centered,angry and alienated. 54). Rather, it is the frequency and seriousness of theirinvolvement in various kinds of criminal behavior that are the bestindicators of future serious criminal activity. Television, many believe, hasbecome a significant substitute. The otherdisturbing element is that these criminals are showing no remorse orconscience, at least initially (Toufexis, 12 June 1989, p. 2). References Gest, T., & Kyle, C. However, overindulgence on the part of parents can also becorrupting. However, the group's influence can be very dangerous.Peer pressure and wanting to be accepted can bring about violence. 54). Nearly nine out of every ten "family hours" contained violence andthe rate of violent incidents per hour was eight, the highest "violencesaturation rate" since the study began. (199 , May 14). A telephone poll conducted byYankelovich Clancy Shulman In 1989 showed that 79 percent believed toughercriminal penalties were needed for juvenile offenders including facing thedeath penalty in murder cases (Toufexis, 12 June 1989, p. In addition, those whocommit violent crimes usually start out that way, not build up to it,hinting that they are a particular type of individual. They have found that the relatively low level ofviolence that was achieved during this time period in the 197 s hasvanished in the 198 s. Family violence. Today these systemsof order are under attack and, as a result, are failing to providenecessary moral values to its children. 54). However, as the crime rate increases so the profile of juvenilescommitting crimes changes. Senseless. Toufexis, A. Though not specifically targeted in the legislation, most"hatemongers" are males under the age of 21 who are unaffiliated withorganized groups. Time, 6 . 3. "Production of this male sex hormone rises dramaticallyduring puberty, a period usually marked by intense sexual desire and strongaggressive tendencies" (Toufexis, 12 June 1989, p. 57). Toufexis, A. 6. With such difficulties facing teenagers today, one theory frequentlydiscussed is that aggression, a biologically rooted impulse of young males,is exacerbated under these conditions. These films are shown on cable TV and distributed asrentals through video shops. Some of the pressures facing teenagers today include, 1. 6 ). Some also suffer from paranoia andhallucinations while others experience seizures. Youngsters normally learn to trust and develop attachments within thefirst two years of life while also acquiring a sense of compassion andempathy for others (Toufexis, 12 June 1989, p. Some experts suggest that there maybe a genetic component to hostile behavior, one of which would betestosterone. Gangsallow even the most cowardly to feel brave and powerful while overridinginhibitions and feelings of guilt. Lyrics, album covers and music videos of the genre called"heavy metal" romanticize bondage, sexual assaults and murder. Tounderscore the point, in May of 199 President Bush signed into law theHate Crises Statistics Act which required that the federal government keepdata on acts of violence activated by prejudice against racial, religiousor ethnic groups or homosexuals (p. 54-55). (199 , May 7). Outside of the home, the alienated youngster turns to his/her peersfor companionship and a sense of "family." These groups or gangs learnabout sex from one another, experiment with drugs together and look totheir friends for a sense of belonging and approval (Toufexis, 12 June1989, pp. Further, in surveying televisionviewers' conceptions of reality, the team at Annenberg found that the morepeople watch television, the more they tend to see the world as a mean andgloomy place (Violent Family Hour, 1987, p. What was particularlysurprising about these figures was that experts had predicted a decrease inthe juvenile crime rate due to the shrinking youth population. Though social scientists are notsure what the link is, they all agree that there must be some kind ofsubtle effect. Children are exposed to an averageof more than 2 acts of violence during each hour that they watchtelevision on Saturday and Sunday mornings. Poverty. Youngsters who commit crimes acts show a versatility of involvementin illegal behavior. Society has created anunderclass that places more value on pieces of material than on human life. Brain injuries as a result of parental and otherbeatings are not that uncommon. 5. 14). 57). The subject of television violence and its potential effect onchildren has long been a source of controversy. 38, 43). Further, 46 percent said that parentsshould be held legally liable for the violent criminal actions of theirchildren. Our violent kids. to 9: p.m. Signals of violence usually surface early but are ignored or denied.Serial killer Ted Bundy's family always insisted he had a normalupbringing. (1989, June 12). However, only later was it revealed that he used to put knivesin his aunt's bed. The average American household now watches over seven hours oftelevision a day and, as a result, adults and children alike are exposed toan average of about 16 acts of violence (two of them lethal) in eachevening's offering of prime-time entertainment programming (Violent FamilyHour, 1987, p. Poverty Is also a factor in many violent crimes. 2). The importance of the act is thatit will make such crimes more visible and encourage more prosecutions andstiffer penalties. In addition, the study found that weekend daytime children's programwere considerably more violent than the average violence index for allthree networks' prime-time programming. 2). Time, 52-58. Unemployment ischaracteristic among poor juveniles, running more than 4 percent in somecommunities (Toufexis, 12 June 1989, p. Typically they are black or hispanic males fromunstable, often one-parent families in which there is a high degree ofconflict (Kramer, 1988, p. There has been a two percent decline in the totalnumber of teenagers in the United States since 1983 (p. Thepurpose of this paper will to be examine the rising rate of juvenile crime,including a look at the causes, the effect on the public and society'sreaction. They usually don't get along with theirparents, who provide little or no supervision, and were very young whenthey began to commit crimes, very often with peer support. (1989, June 5). Yetthe parents may not be giving the child what he or she needs most:attention and supervision. Experts are convinced there is a link between violenceon television and the rising crime rate. Nation, 13, 14 -142. Kramer, R. 57). Dramatizing this attitude isthe senseless violence involving sportswear. Television's "family hour," the 8: p.m. Randa Dembroff, an official of the Los AngelesCounty Bar Association, says: "A workaholic parent is just as abusive asone who physically abuses his children" (Toufexis, 12 June 1989, p. 98). If this paper is not what you are looking for, you can search again: Search for: or Click here to request an essay written just for you.