In 2010 the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) reported the following types of arrests for 10 – 17 year olds:
Violent Crimes
- Murder or manslaughter
- Forcible rape
- Robbery
- Aggravated Assault
- Burglary
- Larceny-theft
- Motor vehicle theft
- Arson
Other Crimes
- Other assaults
- Forgery and counterfeiting
- Stolen property
- Vandalism
- Weapons
- Prostitution
- Sex offenses (other)
- Drug abuse violation
- Gambling
- Offenses against family
- Driving under the influence
- Liquor law violations
- Drunkenness
- Disorderly conduct
- Vagrancy
- Suspicion
- Curfew and loitering
- Runaways
The report did not specify gang involvement.
Wow, what a list. Teenagers can certainly get into trouble with the law. It is important to teach your teenager to respect boundaries which includes the law. There are consequences for all choices, whether it is positive, negative or natural. Teenagers are always pushing the limits…it is part of how they define who they are and how they fit into the world.
Educate your teen. If he or she does get into trouble, be a support but do not enable or rescue them. Rescuing gives the wrong message. “Oh, my parents will take care of this.” Consequences provide valuable lesions for teens to build upon.
Be there for your teen. Get help when you need to.
Reference
http://ojjdp.gov/ojstatbb/ezaucr/asp/ucr_display.asp
