At some point in time, we were all teenagers. When you were a kid, perhaps you noticed adults talking down to you or assuming you were trouble. Well, it’s no different for juveniles today.
Such stereotypes are fairly common, and they can extend to the attitude of law enforcement. In short, this means that your children could find themselves under arrest when they’ve done nothing wrong – possibly because they happened to be with someone else who did break the law.
What are some of the more common stereotypes about juveniles that need to be challenged?
They’ll grow out of it
Sometimes, bad behavior is a cry for help. There’s a lot of pressure on young people today, and they’re not always well-equipped to deal with this. If your teen is lashing out, it could be a sign that they need some support. It’s not easy knowing what to do, but sometimes a harsher approach pushes them further away. Try to remember when you were young and what might have helped you when you were facing a hard time.
They’re all trouble
Just because one teenager has landed in trouble with the law, that doesn’t mean they are all the same. Many young people are very responsible and make positive contributions to society, helping their elders and those who are more vulnerable.
Law enforcement does not always get it right, and your child may have been singled out purely because of their age. Whatever the situation, if they are facing criminal charges, it’s crucial to seek guidance so that they can effectively assert their legal rights.
