It is alarming there is a steep rise in crimes against children in just a year. It is not that there is a sudden increase in crime against children but the reality is that such cases are being reported more now as people are coming out and speaking about it. It clearly shows that crimes against children tend to be local crimes with the vast majority taking place within the home or family circle.Trafficking of minor boys and girls has also increased -these children are trafficked for labor, begging as well as sexual abuse. One can observe that Social values have degraded over the years. The high inspiration of the parents and when the children fail to live upto the expectation, they take the wrong path because of which other youths of their age fall victim to their wrongdoings. Children have always been a soft target both because at times they are not much aware of the fact that what is happening to them is wrong. If at all they are aware of it, then they are scared to speak about it.
Teen Crimes has become a routine affair in metro cities. Children have no patience and don’t want to struggle. They want everything instantly. In our city, easy money is seen everywhere and this is spoiling our youth. The power that comes along with the money makes these youth aggressive, many of whom end up committing crimes. The crime rate in children has been drastically increasing. Many cases like sexual assaults and minor rapes go unreported and the youngsters feel free to commit the same again. Even the judicial system shows leniency towards the accused and no stern action is taken. The percentage of teenagers who are engaging in crime is so high that it seems to be a cause of worry. But most of the crime conducted by teens is of non-violent behaviour. Hence, their cases are handled less harshly and they are given a chance to re-invent themselves.
Providing children with the opportunity to develop positive behaviors is the foundation of most efforts to prevent Teen crimes. Some teen lack healthy parental guidance and monitoring. While some teen have cognitive and psychological deficits that make social and academic success difficult. Preventing teen crime before it happens is the best way to protect the society. What kind of environment he is getting at home and in his neighbourhood determines his fate. In order for a child to grow up in a balanced way, it is very important that he or she is nurtured well by his or her parents.
What we need is right from early childhood, kids should be taught about the sensitive issues and the lawmakers too should enact and follow strict laws to curb this menace and keep the kids safe. Weak legal system is yet another lacuna which adds to the menace.
(Written by Vinod Chandrashehar Dixit, contact : dixitpatrakar@yahoo.in)
