Peer influence followed by adult influence are the biggest factors in juveniles coming into conflict with the law in the city, revealed a recent study conducted by BOSCO, an NGO.
While peer influence accounted for 52.4 per cent, adult influence was 10 per cent, followed by family environment at 8 per cent, according to the study on 170 juveniles in conflict with law. These juveniles were identified in Bengaluru South and West police divisions. According to the study, very few girls were involved in these crimes as 96 per cent of the total crimes were allegedly committed by boys.
The findings of the study titled ‘Contemporary perspective of children in conflict with the law’ were released in a book on Thursday.
The study conducted between June 2013 and May 2014 considered several variables that included age, gender, religion, education level and parental status. A majority of crimes were committed by children aged between 15 and 17. Many of the children in conflict with the law were school dropouts, most of them having studied until class 7
The type of offences (see graphic) that were committed by these children were categorised and also the factors that led to the offence were analysed. This, in turn, helped in understanding the risk factors leading to the crimes, said Fr. George, executive director of BOSCO.
The session also threw light on the importance of the behaviour of the police towards the children. “Child friendly means child-rights friendly. It is not enough if the police is dressed in plainclothes. Their attitude is more important along with being aware of child rights with appropriate training to address the issue,” said Arlene Manoharan from the Centre for Child and the Law.
