Juvenile delinquency constitutes a great social and public health issue in a contemporary changing society and over the last decade, there has been an increased concern in juvenile delinquency at both a societal and a scientific research level.
The act of juvenile delinquency occurs when young people under the age of 18 are accused or are sometimes guilty of some unsafe or criminal activities; this exposes them to be involved in a juvenile justice system which is quite like the adult criminal justice system.
The youth justice system is often called a remand home or correctional centre rather than a jail. However, they include the same processes i.e arrests, detainment, hearings etc. The juvenile system run based on youths being fundamentally different from adults in terms of responsibilities and ability for change which is very much occurring.
How does this relate to young people emotional health?
Often, the cause of delinquencies in youth can be traced to an unbalanced mental health. While it is normal for children and young adults to experience various types of distress as they grow, especially into adulthood, a strain on young people’s emotional health is capable of leading to trauma and disorder. Mental health issues like anxiety and depression are common in most cases and when these symptoms persist, it may lead to something serious; possibly requiring professional help.
One in every four to five youths are found with the likelihood of a mental disorder and as a result, may face challenges like discrimination and negative attitudes. Mental health includes emotional, psychological, social well-being and being able to make great decisions navigating through complexities of life among other things.
Different factors contribute to the mental health of youths and different efforts can be undertaken to promote positive mental health and prevent or minimize mental health problems. Youths with mental health disorders are likely to face challenges in their homes, schools, community, and interpersonal relationships.
Despite these challenges, for most of the youths, mental health distress are episodic, not permanent and most can successfully navigate through the challenges that come with experiencing a mental disorder with treatments, peer and professional supports and services, a strong family, and social support.
Mental health literacy is key in dealing with juvenile delinquency as this if not well managed could continuously lead to repeated crime in the society.
“Be the reason someone smiles, be the reason someone
loved and believes in the goodness in people.”
– Roy T. Bennett.
“Let us all try to stand a little taller, rise a little higher,
a little better, make the extra effort, you would be happier.”
– Gordon B. Hinckley.
We would all be happier and together we can make the world a better place and improve the world’s mental health.