To start with, crime is a crime regardless of age; however, I understand that the minors, due to their age and their low level of mental development and, again, due to their poor decision-making at times, make mistakes that can attract severe consequences.
However, when it's about the crime these minors committed, it becomes a sensitive matter. Now the question is, Is it okay that crimes committed by minors get erased once they become adults?
I will start by pondering the effect and trauma the crimes these minors have committed will have on their victims and whether we should say, because they know nothing, it should be waived. I think before we can call something a crime, it means it's a terrible action not made by mere mistake but a choice, so why not fix it immediately before it escalates?
Personally, I don't buy the idea of erasing any crime until the minor turns into an adult; a child who commits a crime should face the punishment immediately. What if he grows with such a mindset and turns into a deadly adult? What if he influences his age mate? Then we have more crime in the society.
I know and have seen people who, after staying in correctional centers, turn over a new leaf for good. So I believe these minors, when they derail, should be handled according to the magnitude of their offense, not necessarily giving them the same punishment as adults but letting them face the law according to their size. Evil is evil; there is not a part 2 and it should be treated intentionally for future sake.
Most of these minors get involved in certain times due to peer pressure or the kind of environment they find themselves in. That doesn't mean they should go scot-free when caught, but I strongly believe that when the needful is done, their evil mindset could receive a positive shift since they are young and probably naive unlike adults.
The truth is that without correction we will be creating future criminals instead of future great leaders of tomorrow; without correction, these young ones will grow to believe evil things can be done without legal punishment. Imagine growing up into adulthood with such a mindset? Then we are in for a chaotic society.
I will summarize by calling on the attention of parents like me to become so intentional in raising responsible children who will grow into great adults that will bring a turnaround to our society. Imagine having parents who become so sensitive about the lifestyle of their children. Imagine having parents who notice when their children are being influenced by their environment or bad gangs and take action immediately.
Imagine having parents who impart the word of God and fear of God intentionally in the lives of their children. Tell me how and where the crimes will emanate from. The scripture says, "Train up your child in the way of the Lord, and when they grow, they won't turn away from it." It's a great trick we can all embrace for a better society at large.
Images were taken from canva
