When children commit crimes at a young age, it is a complex issue influenced by various factors, including personal ethics and individual circumstances. Before I talk about the reasons behind children committing crimes at a young age and their relation to ethics, it would be wise to comment upon what ethics are.
Ethics is a branch of philosophy that deals with questions of morality, values, and right and wrong behavior. It examines concepts such as good and evil, justice, virtue, and the nature of ethical principles. Ethics helps us understand and evaluate what is considered morally acceptable or unacceptable in human actions and decision-making.
One factor is personal ethics. Children’s ethical development is a gradual process influenced by their upbringing, education, and societal values. Ethics are shaped by learning right from wrong, empathy, and the understanding of moral principles. However, if children are exposed to an environment that lacks moral guidance or promotes unethical behavior not caused by their fault but by external factors such as the role of family and peers, then their ethical development may be compromised. Factors such as a lack of positive moral role models, limited access to quality education, and a culture that glorifies crime can impact their ethical decision-making.
Moreover, children may exhibit criminal behavior due to a range of individual factors such as psychological factors, lack of emotional regulation, and cognitive development. Some children may have underlying psychological issues, such as impulse control problems, or antisocial personality traits. These conditions can impair their judgment, and decision-making abilities, and increase the likelihood of engaging in criminal behavior. Regarding lack of emotional regulation, children who struggle with managing their emotions may be more prone to impulsive actions, including criminal behavior. Difficulties in regulating anger, frustration, or dealing with stress can lead them to act out in harmful ways, as a means of expressing oneself. Children’s cognitive abilities, such as problem-solving skills, moral reasoning, and understanding of consequences, develop over time. In some cases, children may lack the cognitive maturity necessary to fully comprehend the implications of their actions, leading to poor decision-making and criminal behavior.
To resolve this issue, promoting a healthy ethical environment that encourages moral development, empathy, and positive decision-making can contribute to reducing the likelihood of children engaging in criminal acts. Providing supportive opportunities for rehabilitation can also play a crucial role in redirecting their behavior and helping them make positive choices in the future.
Dimosthenis-Dimitrios Despotidis
Youth Ambassador of the University of Ethics