Quote:
Originally Posted by Metro Gnome
I have no idea what makes you think a 16 year old is incapable of comprehending the consequences of his/her actions. Teens may lack knowledge born of experience, but they don't lack the capacity for rational or abstract thought.
Almost all primary brain development is complete by the time human's reach their teens. The only real difference between a 16 year old and a 26 year old is 10 years worth of experience, which might inform decision making, but doesn't mean the lack of an ability to think rationally or form judgements. If a 16 year old kid is unable to appreciate the consequences of his actions, he's either extremely misinformed about the nature of the reality or mentally handicapped.
I think the real disservice is to treat teenagers as entities who are not responsible for their individual actions. The claim that kids can't appreciate consequence absolves them of culpability, which is the wrong message to send to youngsters (or, indeed, anyone above the mental age of 6). In fact, I dont see how treating these kids in an "adult manner " (ie; holding them responsible) can possibly lead to more "problems in terms of youth crime". I would suggest the opposite is true...excusing misbehavior as a consequence of age grants teens a blank check to do just about anything and without fear of reprisal.
|
Nowhere did I ever claim that teens are unable to comprehend consequences to their actions. What I'm trying to point out is that a 16 year old requires a different approach then a 26 year old. You cannot assume that a 16 year old is going to get that a monetary fine is proper punishment for their crimes. It's meaningless to them. Physical punishment will get the point across much clearer. And since society cannot trust the caregiver to impose it, it must administer the punishment itself.
To the part bolded above: Bingo! They don't have the experience to fully appreciate the effects of their actions. They get it in a selfish individualistic sense, but when it comes to understanding how their actions affect others around them, the average teenager hasn't got a clue.
I'm suggesting that the punishment must fit the crime and the punishment must take into account the age of the perpetrator. Placing a monetary fine on a 16 year old is going to do nothing to teach them. Imposing a physical punishment (ie, manual labor) that is clearly identified as punishment for the committed crime will teach them.
Key to the point is that the parents/caregivers MUST receive punishment as well. The kid is the caregivers property up until the age of 18. If you allow the caregivers to walk away without punishment for their charges actions, you open the door to a system in which those who have responsibility walk away from it at every given point.
