Ways to tackle juvenile delinquency

From Bisnis Indonesia

From observation I would say it's certain TV programs, erotic and crime films in the cinemas, pornographic books and magazines, as well as social environment that push teenagers into delinquent behavior, hurting themselves and others as well.

A survey by Bappenkar, the agency for combating narcotic abuse and youth delinquency, made last year shows that 68 percent of teenage students had at least once watched a "blue film" and 28 percent of them had become addicted to watching such shows.

I wish to make the following suggestions as ways to reduce crimes by today's youths:

* Parents, who have the first responsibility for the upbringing of children in the home during formative years, should teach these children to enjoy full parental attention, love and understanding in a happy home.

* Give the children religious education and attune them to appreciate good deeds.

* Engage youngsters in positive activities. Government support is of course expected particularly in creating a conductive atmosphere for the breeding of creative ideas.

* Parents, educators and the government should act in unison to pull youngsters away from influences tending to get them into crimes.

Junus Immanuel

Sukolilo, Surabaya