The spelling of the term "juvenile delinquency" may seem straightforward to native English speakers, but the pronunciation can be a bit tricky. In IPA phonetic transcription, this term is spelled /ˈdʒuːvənaɪl dɛlɪŋkwənsi/. This means that the word is pronounced with a hard "J" sound, followed by a long "oo" sound, and then a short "i" sound. The stress is on the second syllable, and the word ends with a "cy" sound. Overall, this term refers to criminal behavior committed by minors, and it highlights the importance of early intervention and prevention.
Juvenile delinquency refers to the illegal or antisocial behavior committed by individuals who are under the age of 18. It encompasses a range of unlawful activities, such as theft, vandalism, assault, drug abuse, truancy, and gang involvement, that are considered violations of the law and societal norms. The term "juvenile" in this context refers to minors who have not reached the age of adulthood, typically 18 years old.
Juvenile delinquency is a multifaceted issue that is influenced by a variety of factors, including social, economic, family, and environmental circumstances. It is often associated with a lack of discipline, parental supervision, and structure at home, coupled with peer pressure and negative influences from the surrounding community. Moreover, certain psychological and emotional factors, such as low self-esteem, frustration, and impulse control issues, can contribute to engaging in delinquent behaviors.
The impacts and consequences of juvenile delinquency can be significant, affecting not only the individuals involved but also their families and society as a whole. Delinquent behavior at a young age can lead to a cycle of criminality, as juveniles who engage in criminal activities are more likely to continue committing offenses as adults. To address this issue, various intervention strategies are employed, including community-based programs, counseling, probation, rehabilitation services, and in some cases, court involvement. The goal is to prevent further delinquent behavior, rehabilitate the juvenile offenders, and provide them with the necessary support and resources to become law-abiding citizens in the future.
The word "juvenile" comes from the Late Latin word "juvenilis", meaning "of or pertaining to youth". It is derived from the Latin word "juvenis", which means "young". The word "delinquency" comes from the Latin word "delinquere", which means "to fail" or "to offend". So, the term "juvenile delinquency" originated from the combination of "juvenile" and "delinquency", referring to the behavior or actions of young individuals who commit offenses or engage in antisocial behavior.