Topic > Juvenile Delinquency: Today's Violence

Juvenile crimes have become more evident and common in modern society. Like adults, children can also come into conflict with the law. Cases such as burglaries, robberies and even murders are now being committed by individuals of increasingly younger ages. After violating the constitution, an involved minor then enters the criminal justice system, enlisting his act called juvenile delinquency. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay It may seem unfamiliar, but this term is no longer new in today's vocabulary. As the Collins dictionary defines the word juvenile delinquency, it is the destruction of property and other criminal behavior committed by youth who are not old enough to be legally considered adults. Breaking it down into two different words, which are Juvenile and Delinquency; Juvenile pertaining to children or minors and Delinquency as “behavior contrary to the penal code committed by an individual” (Bartol, 1989, p. 8). However, the word Delinquency itself is an ever-evolving concept in the study of literature; furthermore, varying by distinctive ways. We often overlook the power of its meaning, especially if it is defined word for word but, when combined as one, it manifests our slowly developing mind to the ever-changing words in today's language. Through evolution, it brings us back to the idea that most definitions are somehow imperfect and even have flaws. Therefore, defining what juvenile delinquency is, therefore, is most likely complicated. Over the years, we live in a world where laws identify our community's sense of discipline. An example of this is the establishment of our Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act or better known as Republic Act No. 9344. It has been a continuous process of complying with the law with respect to its given limitations. Being applicable to the qualifications of the law, I am quite troubled about my rights and freedom. Not only for my safety, but also for that of my "young" companions. Laws are created to maintain order, but true enough that we cannot avoid abusing the power we have as “minors.” As stated in Republic Law n. 9344, our juvenile justice and welfare system is a system that deals with children who are at risk or vulnerable to committing criminal crimes; provides those involved with child-appropriate proceedings, including programs and services for prevention, diversion, rehabilitation, reintegration and post-operative care, as a guarantee for their normal growth and development. This law applies to a "minor" under the age of eighteen, due to his or her personal, family and even social circumstances. When the law was inaugurated, many citizens felt relieved, hoping that it would have a huge impact on empowering young people to achieve a better future. In fact, in 2006, with the proclamation of the Law on Juvenile Justice and Welfare or otherwise called Republic Law no. 9344, was a great stepping stone towards achieving a much more corrective and child-oriented system of the integrity of the child as an individual. All laws are effectively enforced once the community fully participates in the limitations of the law. Abusing such opportunities will therefore lead to grave ruin for any individual, especially those who are covered by the law. Just like in recent years when everywhere we hear news stories particularly recognized as a case of juvenile delinquency. What happened to the purpose of the law? Because hisefficiency seems to have vanished? What could have gone wrong? It is certain that not all laws are perfectly established. Laws are made for our convenience, but we ourselves should not take these types of matters for granted. Keeping all this in mind, it can be said that juvenile delinquency worsens in our country due to the insufficient coverage of established laws which still leaves room for young delinquents to commit violence without having to be punished by law. Juvenile delinquency is not only a widespread problem but a serious concern for the government since the late 1980s that till date not all cases are given immediate action, thus worsening the situation of the problem. Numerous documents have been filed regarding the matter and one of which talks about a 10 year old boy named Marlon. Yna Soriano, a journalist, indicates that Marlon was guilty of molesting and, worse, raping his younger sister several times at their residence in Guinayangan, Southern Quezon. Although Marlon refuses to accept it, saying he doesn't know what the word "molestation" or "rape" means. Being part of the history of juvenile delinquency, Marlon was known to be the youngest ward of the National Training School for Boys in Tanay, Rizal, in facing the consequences of his misbehavior with his fellow "juvenile delinquents." The problem was further noted when he mentioned the main reason for such action; he just followed what his father had done to his sister. Not long after, his father also encountered the consequences of his actions. Old records show that there are more than 10,094 Filipino children involved in various crimes and Marlon is just one of them. How many other reasons must be added to the increase in the number of accused young people, especially nowadays when violence and abuse are seen everywhere? Looking back, we have come to the conclusion that every action has a reason. For example, it was indicated that Marlon committed a crime due to an accident he mistakenly witnessed. So, do reports of juvenile delinquency have their roots in the influence of the elderly? Not all cases coincide with Marlon's intentions. Indeed, juvenile delinquency is a large and complicated topic in human affairs. To begin with, different reasons or causes why crimes and the like are created vary depending on the behavior of the person. Parenting is one of many factors that contribute to this. Raising a child requires guidance and support from parents and elders. However, being one with the ever-developing technology of today's world, most cases of such problem reflect irresponsible parents who induced the child to commit such acts or crimes. Therefore, some cases of juvenile delinquency are due to poor monitoring or supervision of young people in the correct use of electronics. “Age is also not a simple matter” (Bartol, 1989, p. 8). Growing means putting to use the skills acquired before coming into contact with the absence of restrictions. In fact, from an early age, we are granted the ability to carry out the tasks we desire, as long as we respect the rules and responsibilities established for us. This, therefore, indicates the sense of freedom that the young person cultivates in living. All things considered, it is essential to identify what the foundation of this knowledge could be. Looking back at Marlon's case, his poor background is a major determinant of his offending. Records show that most delinquent youths in our country come from poor families, especially those suffering from poverty. Because of the terrible discomfort they feel, they do not have the ability to fully satisfy their needsand desires in life, this forces them to do things their own way. Therefore, the crimes they allegedly committed are recognized as against the law; showing how injustice towards people's social status is very frequent, not only in a particular community but throughout the nation. Due to the growing number of cases of this issue, new points of view were soon specifically suggested by different sides of the government. Several meetings were held in which the incorrectness of the law was denounced. In fact, the government has also shown several complaints regarding the way it is being applied and/or executed. These events can be seen everywhere, such as in the news broadcasts where recordings of their rally took place. In an article published on the CNN Philippines website, Fiona Nicolas reports that "lawmakers are increasingly alarmed as juvenile delinquents get younger and younger," "In response to this, the House of Representatives is considering a bill which was presented by the representative of Davao del Sur, Mercedes Cagas,” he added. However, it does not only affect members of the government, but also affects everyone, regardless of gender, age and social position. Many have expressed their views opinions and beliefs regarding this issue. Some were on good terms with the current state of the law, but others insist on reconsidering the restrictions it provides. An unspecified representative says from Fiona Nicolas' previous relationship with several deputies that she too , as a mother, is concerned that young people nowadays have easier access to modern communication technology and that it affects them in many vague circumstances. Indeed, each individual has their own perspectives and points of view that need to be expressed; whether advantageous or unfavorable, an answer must be given. However, to date, numerous complaints have received no response. In recent years the overall number of juvenile delinquents has been gradually but deliberately increasing; it no longer reduced its value. In addition to the many minors involved in the affair, the provisions established by current legislation are constantly evolving over the years. Juvenile Delinquency does not simply affect minors but also those who manipulate the execution of the established law/act. It is still one of the current issues in the news of modern society. It has been and continues to test each person's ability to deal with the abuses and difficulties of power; which is one of the many reasons why today's generation is becoming terrifying. While most cases of this issue are still being processed to date, there have also been reports of provisions being discussed and considered in the development of the law. Dating back to 2013, former President Noynoy Aquino passed a law regarding youth misconduct enforcement. However, the new law did not change the minimum age of criminal responsibility, which remained set at 15 years. Over time, Congress has made various amendments. But the Department of Social Welfare and Development assumes otherwise, saying some children involved in conflicts with the law are often victims of the problem. Abigail Valte, deputy presidential spokesperson, implies that “There are enough provisions in existing law to balance the concerns of some who favor lowering the age of responsibility” (Romero, 2013). Juvenile delinquency is truly an alarming phenomenon. question regarding the overall performance of today's generation. This is a developing but worsening case of how established laws are not fully supported by sufficient provisions,,.