Some people believe that children are responsible for their crimes and should be punished for them. Others think the parents are in charge and should be punished instead. Discuss both views and give your own opinion. Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

The question of who should be held accountable when a

child

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commits a crime is a complex one, sparking debate between those who believe in individual responsibility and those who advocate for parental culpability. Both viewpoints have valid arguments. Proponents of punishing the

child

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argue that even young offenders should understand the consequences of their actions. Holding them responsible, they believe, can deter future criminal

behavior

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behaviour

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and

instill

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instil

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a sense of right and wrong. Early intervention, in

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view, is crucial for preventing a life of crime.

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, a teenager caught stealing, even if influenced by peers, needs to understand that theft is unacceptable and carries repercussions.

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, those who argue for punishing the

parents

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highlight the significant role

parents

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play in shaping a

child

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's

behavior

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behaviour

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. They suggest that inadequate supervision, neglect, or a negative home environment can contribute to a

child

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's criminal activity. In

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cases, punishing the

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, perhaps through fines or mandatory parenting classes, could address the root causes of the problem and prevent similar incidents.

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, if a

child

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from a consistently neglectful household vandalizes property, holding the

parents

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accountable could force them to improve their parenting skills. In my opinion, a balanced approach is necessary.

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children should be held accountable for their actions in a way

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age-appropriate and focuses on rehabilitation, the

parents

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' role cannot be ignored. The severity of the crime, the

child

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's age and maturity, and the

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' level of involvement or negligence should all be considered when determining the appropriate response. A system that combines juvenile justice with parental support and education offers the best chance for positive outcomes.