Idiot Kids, Crime wave

[Lilith7]

Lately there've been several news items involving younger kids & crimes of various kinds. I came across this article which mentions human brain development - I'd like to think that all those right wing politicians who are virtually brandishing burning brands & shouting about how they'll 'get tough' would read & comprehend, but that seems unlikely.


https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/1302851...Nx67RM8kHY

"There is no one rule of thumb to prevent children from committing crime, a child psychologist says.

This week, Stuff revealed out-of-control, thrill-seeking youths have propelled car thefts in Canterbury to record highs, with reports of some deliberately knocking cyclists off their bikes and seriously injuring them.

More than 400 vehicles were reported stolen across the district in August – about twice what was considered normal a few years ago. The city has also been plagued with youth crime in recent weeks.

Risk-taking behaviour, especially by children, comes from wanting to find something they’re good at, belonging to a group and receiving praise from others, senior clinical psychologist Dr Kirsty Ross said.

“The feeling of competency with something is crucial. A lot of kids get that from sport, arts, music or academics, but that’s not always the case.”

Children could be guided in the right direction, but sometimes they could have all the right support and still fall into anti-social behaviour, Ross said.

“At 10, we are still so egocentric: ‘People are going to think I’m cool, and I’ll get lots of likes on TikTok.’

Thinking ahead, considering consequences and having perspective for victims could be difficult to consider for developing brains, she said.

“‘If I steal this car, how will this mother get her kids to school in the morning?’ – that’s not in the frame of thinking for these kids.”

Emotionally-driven validation drives young minds, Ross said.

“It feels exciting and gives me an adrenaline rush, so I’ll do it."