Juvenile delinquency has become an enormous problem in the United States. Although there is numerous conditions which contribute to juvenile delinquency, the link between the media, juvenile violence, and juvenile delinquency cannot be overlooked. The violence that juveniles encounter when viewing television and movies, may add to their aggression level. Because some juveniles cannot distinguish between what is real and what is not real, they can contribute to juvenile delinquency and or juvenile violence. Although the etiology of juvenile delinquency is not known, theories have shown that it may be a combination of psychological, sociological, and biological, factors. What is Juvenile Delinquency? The …show more content…
Today, youths are exposed to various types of media from the moment they are born. According to some researchers, longitudinal studies conclude that there is a connection between aggressive behavior and media violence. Media such as violent video games and movies portraying a disregard for the law, have been associated to the recent mass shootings in American society. The juveniles involved in the Sandy Hook and Columbine massacres, participated in playing violent video games and viewing violent movies on a regular basis. It is estimated that youths spend approximately seventy five hours per week utilizing mass media. Subsequently, video games are protected under the First Amendment, which guarantees freedom of expression. Social networking websites such as Facebook and Myspace, may contribute to risqué behavior emanating from peer pressure. Additionally, the easy access to pornography for youths is reason for concern, since data suggests that it plays a critical role in the development of nefarious, aggressive …show more content…
Dropout rates and truancy also continue to be a challenge in American society. Truancy is a form of delinquency, which stems from issues arising in school. Juveniles will often times resort to the destruction of property and or vandalism, as a way to combat frustration and aggression. Vandalism correlates to a perceived absence of attainable goals by countless youths. Interestingly, a popular hypothesis relate juvenile delinquency to either a learning affliction, or intelligence. However, this hypothesis is widely debated. First, deviant behavior is thought by Social scientists, to be a combination of biological, psychological, and sociological factors. However, the manner in which particular characteristics are displayed within the community and social settings, can offer useful insight in determining the etiology of deviant behavior. Second, the medical model approach concerning Sigmund Freud’s concepts relating personality and the unconscious creation, contends that delinquency and criminal behavior can be amended providing it is diagnosed in