Bad Parenting and Juvenile Delinquency

Posted: May 5th, 2020

Bad Parenting and Juvenile Delinquency

Bad Parenting and Juvenile Delinquency: Understanding the Link
The family unit plays a crucial role in shaping a child’s behavior and personality. Parents’ involvement in their children’s lives during their growth and development stages is fundamental to shaping their behavior. Poor parenting, such as neglectful, abusive, or absent parenting, can lead to juvenile delinquency in adolescents. Research shows that children who experience abuse or neglect during their childhood are more likely to develop behavioral issues and become delinquent in adolescence (Hoeve et al., 2009). This paper examines the link between bad parenting and juvenile delinquency, focusing on the impact of different parenting styles on children’s behavior.

Parenting Styles and Juvenile Delinquency

The parent’s style of parenting can have a significant impact on their child’s behavior, personality, and values. Research suggests that the authoritative parenting style, which is characterized by high responsiveness and high demands, is effective in reducing juvenile delinquency (Hoffmann, 2015). In contrast, the indulgent parenting style, which is characterized by low responsiveness and high demands, can lead to bad behavior and selfishness in children. Similarly, neglectful parenting, which is characterized by low responsiveness and low demands, can cause low self-esteem and bad behavior, leading to juvenile delinquency during adolescence.

The Effects of Single-Parenting on Juvenile Delinquency

Single-parenting has been found to be a risk factor for juvenile delinquency. Children raised by a single parent are more likely to engage in bad behaviors, such as substance abuse, aggression, and truancy (Hoffmann, 2015). A study conducted by Aizer and Doyle (2015) found that boys raised by single mothers are more likely to engage in criminal activities, such as theft and violence, than boys raised by married parents. The absence of a father figure in the household has been linked to negative outcomes in children, including low self-esteem, poor academic performance, and behavioral problems (Hoeve et al., 2009).

Other Factors Contributing to Juvenile Delinquency

Apart from parenting styles and family structure, other factors contribute to juvenile delinquency. Peer pressure, drug abuse, and delinquent siblings can also promote bad behavior in children. A study conducted by Dishion and Patterson (2016) found that negative peer influences and deviant peer networks are strong predictors of adolescent delinquency. Additionally, living in dangerous neighborhoods and experiencing violence and trauma can lead to aggressive behavior in children (Hoffmann, 2015).

Preventing Juvenile Delinquency

Preventing juvenile delinquency requires a comprehensive approach that involves parents, schools, community organizations, and the justice system. Parents can reduce the risk of their children engaging in delinquent behavior by being involved in their lives and providing support, guidance, and structure. Schools can implement prevention programs that focus on promoting positive behaviors and providing support for students who are at risk of delinquency. Community organizations can also provide after-school programs and activities that promote positive behavior and discourage drug abuse and gang activity.

In conclusion, bad parenting is closely linked to juvenile delinquency. Neglectful, abusive, or absent parenting can lead to conduct disorder and behavioral problems in children, which can escalate to delinquent behavior in adolescence. The parenting style plays a crucial role in shaping a child’s behavior, with the authoritative style being effective in reducing juvenile delinquency. Other risk factors for delinquency include single-parenting, peer pressure, drug abuse, and living in dangerous neighborhoods. To prevent juvenile delinquency, a comprehensive approach is required that involves parents, schools, community organizations, and the justice system.
Astudy conducted by Cornell University found that parental monitoring and involvement had a significant impact on a child’s likelihood of engaging in delinquent behavior. The study revealed that parents who monitored their children’s behavior and set rules and expectations had children who were less likely to engage in delinquent behavior. On the other hand, parents who did not monitor their children’s behavior had children who were more likely to engage in delinquent behavior (Stewart et al., 2020).

Another study conducted by the National Institutes of Health found that children who experienced abuse and neglect were more likely to engage in delinquent behavior. The study also found that children who experienced parental neglect were at higher risk for substance abuse and mental health disorders (Mersky et al., 2021).

Moreover, a recent study by the University of Cambridge found that the quality of parent-child relationships played a significant role in the development of delinquent behavior. The study found that children who had positive relationships with their parents were less likely to engage in delinquent behavior, while children who had negative relationships with their parents were more likely to engage in delinquent behavior (Menting et al., 2022).

In conclusion, it is evident that bad parenting is closely linked with juvenile delinquency. Neglectful parenting, abuse, and lack of involvement in a child’s life increase the likelihood of delinquent behavior. Conversely, full involvement in a child’s life, setting rules and expectations, and monitoring their behavior can reduce the likelihood of delinquent behavior. Therefore, parents need to be aware of the impact their parenting styles have on their children’s behavior and make efforts to provide a safe and supportive environment for their children’s growth and development.

References:
Hoeve, Machteld, et al. “The relationship between parenting and delinquency: A meta-analysis.” Journal of abnormal child psychology 37.6 (2009): 749-775.
Hoffmann, John P. “Parenting and delinquency.” The handbook of juvenile delinquency and juvenile justice (2015): 161-180.
Menting, Barbara, et al. “Parent-child relationships and delinquency: a meta-analysis.” Developmental Psychology 58.7 (2022): 1072-1085.
Mersky, Joshua P., et al. “Child maltreatment and juvenile delinquency: Disentangling main effects and indirect effects through substance use and mental health problems.” Child Abuse & Neglect 120 (2021): 105176.
Stewart, Eric A., et al. “Parental monitoring and delinquency: A meta-analysis.” Psychology of Violence 10.4 (2020): 441-450
Holt, Amanda. “Room for resistance? Parenting Orders, disciplinary power and the production of the ‘bad parent’.” ASBO nation: The criminalization of nuisance (2008): 203-222.