The “Why” and “How” to fix today’s youth crime

In recent months, as headlines and social media platforms highlight the growing concern over the youth crime epidemic. Latest data released by the Crime Statistics Agency on the 26th of September 2024 shows the number of alleged offender incidents involving young people aged between 10 to 17 has increased by roughly 20 per cent since 2010 which currently sits at a total of 23,236. For comparison, the year before 2022-23, the numbers had sat at a total of 19,345 alleged offender incidents.

The question many ask is: Who to blame and what is the solution?

The Types of Influences on Youth Crime

Social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram, with their user-friendly interfaces and personalized algorithms, are built to cater to individual preferences. However, this design also makes it easier for teens to be exposed to negative or harmful content. Even with parental controls and content regulations in place, the possibility of encountering problematic material—such as hate speech, radical beliefs, or criminal behavior—remains high.

Youth crime in the digital age can take various forms, often influenced by what teens consume online. Two particularly concerning trends are copycat crime and performance crime.

• Copycat Crime: This occurs when individuals commit crimes after being influenced by media. Exposure to news stories, films, or social media content depicting criminal behavior can encourage impressionable young people to mimic these actions.
• Performance Crime: This refers to the creation of content for social media with the intent (or sometimes without realizing it) of committing a crime. Whether participating in viral challenges or simply wanting to gain clout among peers, teens might engage in illegal or dangerous behavior just to be seen as "cool."

Why Do Teens Engage in These Behaviors?

Andrew Bruun, Chief Executive of the Youth Support and Advocacy Service, emphasized in an interview with The Guardian that the issue often stems from a deeper disconnection. Young people who engage in high-risk or antisocial behavior are frequently disconnected from their families, cultures, or communities. According to Bruun, they aren't inherently "bad" people; rather, they are making poor decisions due to a lack of identity and belonging.

At its core, youth crime is about more than just delinquency—it's about a search for acceptance. Adolescents crave inclusion, recognition, and validation. When these needs aren’t met in healthy environments, they may seek them elsewhere, even in the wrong places.

What Doesn’t Work: Shame and Fear

Why doesn’t shaming work? Shaming young people who commit crimes or engage in antisocial behavior can lead to further alienation. Adolescents are in a vulnerable stage of identity development, and when they are shamed, they may feel rejected by society. This can reinforce feelings of exclusion and resentment, pushing them further into destructive behavior. Instead of motivating them to change, shame can drive them to seek validation in even more harmful ways.

Fear-based approaches, such as scare tactics aimed at highlighting the consequences of crime, can also be ineffective. While it’s true that fear can prevent some from engaging in risky behaviors, for many young people, especially those already disconnected from their communities, fear alone is not enough to foster change. They may already feel hopeless or believe they have little to lose. Moreover, the sensationalizing of youth crime can normalize these behaviors, making them seem more widespread or even appealing.

Instead of relying on shame and fear, it’s crucial to adopt strategies that focus on empathy, rehabilitation, and community support. There is support with organizations such as Head Space Providing positive reinforcement, role models, and opportunities for personal growth is far more effective in helping young people build a sense of purpose and identity that isn’t tied to criminal behavior.

So, What Can We Do?

The key to helping our youth lies in offering them positive outlets and community support. Setting up programs such as sports leagues, mentorship initiatives, and creative outlets can provide teens with the sense of belonging they crave. By guiding them toward healthier identities and meaningful relationships, we can help them make better choices.

It is essential to avoid placing the blame for youth crime squarely on parents, schools, or even social media platforms. While these factors play a role in shaping young people's experiences, focusing on assigning blame won’t solve the problem. Youth crime is a complex societal issue that requires collective action from the entire community.

Supporting young people and steering them away from crime involves more than just regulating their social media usage or punishing bad behavior. It requires a community-based approach. Teachers, coaches, mentors, local leaders, and parents all need to come together to provide a network of support for adolescents. This means creating safe spaces for them to express themselves, encouraging positive role models, and fostering relationships that help young people feel connected to their communities.

While social media is often highlighted as a major influence on youth behavior, it’s important to acknowledge that it’s not the only factor. Peer pressure, socioeconomic circumstances, mental health challenges, and a lack of access to positive recreational activities can all contribute to the rise in youth crime. Addressing these broader issues is crucial in preventing antisocial behaviors before they take root.