Juvenile delinquency refers to criminal acts committed by minors. Theories for the causes of juvenile delinquency include strain theory, which cites difficulties achieving goals through legitimate means, differential association theory, which involves influence from delinquent peers, and labeling theory, where a young person takes on the deviant role after being labeled as such. Juvenile delinquency rates are highest among 15-17 year old boys and prevention efforts focus on strengthening families, improving schools, and increasing social services and recreation for youth.

2. The habitual committing of criminal acts
or offences by a young person,
especially one below the age at which
ordinary criminal prosecution is possible.
JUVENILEJUVENILE

3. THE CHILDREN ACT 1960 DEFINES
DELINQUENT AS “A CHILD WHO HAS
COMMITED AN OFFENCE”
DELINQUENCYDELINQUENCY

4. Includes all deviations from
normal youthful behaviour.
Eg: Children who are habitually
disobedient, who desert homes, mix with
immoral people, those with behavioural
problems, indulging in antisocial practices.

5. In USIn US  2% of children between 7 & 17 years attend juvenile
courts.
In PakistanIn Pakistan  Increasing during the past 2-3 yrs due to changes in
cultural pattern of people, urbanization and industrialization.
Highest incidenceHighest incidence  15 yrs & above
Among boysAmong boys  4-5 times more than girls.

6. THEORIESTHEORIES
STRAIN THEORY
DIFFERENTIAL THEORY
LABELLING THEORY
MALE PHENOMENON

7. STRAIN THEORY
STRAIN THEORY HOLDS THAT CRIME IS
CAUSED BY THE DIFFICULTY FACED IN
ACHIEVING SOCIALLY VALUED GOALS BY
LEGITIMATE MEANS BY THOSE IN
POVERTY.

8. DIFFERENTIAL THEORYDIFFERENTIAL THEORY
IT SUGGESTS YOUNG PEOPLE ARE MOTIVATED
TO COMMIT CRIMES BY DELINQUENT PEERS
AND LEARN CRIMINAL SKILLS FROM THEM.

9. CAUSESCAUSES
Peer Group is a very strong force.
Social ,Economical ,Physical , Psychological
causes.
Neighborhood.
Parents, Cinemas and television.

10. THE IDEA IS THAT ONCE LABELED AS DEVIANT A
YOUNG PERSON MAY ACCEPT THAT ROLE AND BE MORE
LIKELY TO ASSOCIATE WITH OTHERS WHO HAVE BEEN
SIMILARLY LABELLED.
LABELLING THEORYLABELLING THEORY

11. MALE PHENOMENONMALE PHENOMENON
YOUTH CRIME IS
DISPROPOTIONATELY COMMITED BY
YOUNG MEN.

12. PREVENTIVE MEASURES
Improvement of family life:
Well adjusted family.
Parents prepared for parenthood.
Meeting needs of children.
Schooling:
Healthy teacher pupil relationship.
Social welfare services:
Recreation facilities, parent counseling, child guidance,
educational facilities & adequate general health services.