Bad parents turn minors into criminals

THE EDITOR: If our children are criminals it is because adults who have the responsibility for creating the nurturing environment in which they will thrive and become productive and mentally healthy citizens are not living up to their responsibility. So said Anna Maria Mora, counselling psychologist, and not for the first time.

Many would agree that the upbringing of the nation’s young people is everyone’s responsibility and, yes, they are products of their environment. But more importantly, they are products of their parents who, in my opinion, come first in the line of responsibility.

A bad teacher may stymie your education, a bad employer may make you want to call in sick, a bad politician may make you want to protest and block the roads, but a bad parent could make you become a criminal.

An island of spoiled children is how Anglican priest Fr Gomez described the country at a recent funeral service, while trauma specialist Hanif Benjamin and others describe the country as an angry society.

So until we stop pussyfooting with those who have but are not living up to their responsibilities (parents) we will continue to spin top in mud on the issue of juvenile delinquency and, by extension, full-blown criminality in this country. It starts at a young age and at home.

If as a parent or guardian you cannot convince the court that you have taken all possible steps to deter your minor from criminal behaviour, then you should stand legal consequences. “Ah fed up talk to dat child” will be no defence against prosecution.

Children will then understand that their behaviour in and out of school could put their parents in trouble with the law. But isn’t there legislation to that effect in place already? It’s time to get serious because what we saw on the Beetham last week will only get worse.

RICARDO LIJERTWOOD via e-mail