Are the right questions being asked?
It is politically expedient to argue children should be punished for their crimes. But more needs to be studied on the reasons those children behaved they way they did. Too often those studies are dismissed for being “soft” on those kids – that more discipline is needed.
But the environment in which they begin life may hinder social development and the acquisition of goals (not gaols). More studies could gain knowledge on their family life, community life, education that reaches out to them, inclusively, and health services that also ensures they eat well. Were any of the children belted at home or saw their mother belted? That affects children’s outlook on life. The children’s actions are not genetically derived, nor is it in their DNA.
They are products of the opportunities allowed in our society. Some are very limited. The question can be put: how can society provide opportunities for them to develop positive life goals? The answer is not easily agreed upon, but in a fair and decent society it is one that should be searched for. The existing punishment-focused approach is unlikely to change the mindsets of those individuals.
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