International Journal of Advanced Research and Development

Authors
Dr. Jasbir Rishi

Abstract
Juvenile delinquency, also known as "juvenile offending", is participation in illegal behavior by minors (juveniles, i.e. individuals younger than the statutory age of majority). The term juvenile delinquency applies to violation of criminal code and certain patterns of behavior that are not approved for children and young adolescents. Constant exposure to violence, no fear of law and lack of understanding about the consequences of committing a crime have made children prone to violence. Quoting a study, mental health experts said there has been a 300% increase in the number of children committing heinous crimes in the past three years, and most of them were found to be influenced by their surroundings Theories have been advanced from time to time to explain these things, but only in the last ten or fifteen years have extensive scientific investigation been carried out on these problems. The factors are found to be responsible for delinquency (a) Personality Characteristics, (b) Family patters and interaction, and (c) Delinquent gangs and subculture.