CMY2603
CHILD AND YOUTH MISBEHAVIOUR
JANUARY 1, 2014
Charmaine Busch
, 1. THE NATURE AND EXTENT OF CHILD
AND YOUTH MISBEHAVIOUR
1.1. KEY CONCEPTS
Child and youth: a person under the age of 18. In certain circumstances, a person under
the age of 21.
Misbehaviour: any type of wrongdoing.
Criminal offences, crime or unlawfulness:
♠ Juridical definition: an illegal action committed by an individual who can be
blamed for it and can be punished by the authorities. Van Zyl defines it as “the
illegal, wilful human action that constitutes a transgression of the law; to which is
linked sentencing by a court of law after a hearing and conviction.” Crime can
also be a failure to act.
♠ Non-juridical definition: an antisocial action that involves a threat, violation or
infringement of the stability and security of society and its members.
1.2. BIOGRAPHICAL FACTORS IN CHILD AND YOUTH MISBEHAVIOUR
1.2.1. GENDER
Males are significantly more likely than females to commit crimes.
Male youths are the most violent.
Male youths are more likely to be arrested for serious offences such as the possession of
stolen property, vandalism, possession of illegal firearms and assault.
Female youths are more likely to be arrested for prostitution and running away from home.
Males are more likely to have criminal friends, and to be influenced by them.
Female youths commit less theft, vandalism and assault.
Female youth offenders have the following in common:
♠ Between the ages of 13 and 18
♠ Poor academic achievement, resulting in leaving school
♠ Most likely a victim of sexual, physical and emotional abuse
♠ Unstable home life
♠ Tendency to depend on older males
♠ Substance abuse
1.2.2. RACE
In the US: Youths from minority groups are more likely to be arrested for serious offences,
although this could be due to the fact that the police are more likely to treat white juveniles
informally.
In the US: Minority groups are more likely to live in areas with:
♠ Deteriorating housing
♠ Limited employment opportunities
CHILD AND YOUTH MISBEHAVIOUR
JANUARY 1, 2014
Charmaine Busch
, 1. THE NATURE AND EXTENT OF CHILD
AND YOUTH MISBEHAVIOUR
1.1. KEY CONCEPTS
Child and youth: a person under the age of 18. In certain circumstances, a person under
the age of 21.
Misbehaviour: any type of wrongdoing.
Criminal offences, crime or unlawfulness:
♠ Juridical definition: an illegal action committed by an individual who can be
blamed for it and can be punished by the authorities. Van Zyl defines it as “the
illegal, wilful human action that constitutes a transgression of the law; to which is
linked sentencing by a court of law after a hearing and conviction.” Crime can
also be a failure to act.
♠ Non-juridical definition: an antisocial action that involves a threat, violation or
infringement of the stability and security of society and its members.
1.2. BIOGRAPHICAL FACTORS IN CHILD AND YOUTH MISBEHAVIOUR
1.2.1. GENDER
Males are significantly more likely than females to commit crimes.
Male youths are the most violent.
Male youths are more likely to be arrested for serious offences such as the possession of
stolen property, vandalism, possession of illegal firearms and assault.
Female youths are more likely to be arrested for prostitution and running away from home.
Males are more likely to have criminal friends, and to be influenced by them.
Female youths commit less theft, vandalism and assault.
Female youth offenders have the following in common:
♠ Between the ages of 13 and 18
♠ Poor academic achievement, resulting in leaving school
♠ Most likely a victim of sexual, physical and emotional abuse
♠ Unstable home life
♠ Tendency to depend on older males
♠ Substance abuse
1.2.2. RACE
In the US: Youths from minority groups are more likely to be arrested for serious offences,
although this could be due to the fact that the police are more likely to treat white juveniles
informally.
In the US: Minority groups are more likely to live in areas with:
♠ Deteriorating housing
♠ Limited employment opportunities
