By Suleiman Tajudeen
CITIZENS COMPASS— Criminal behaviour among youths refers to actions by young people (typically between secondary school age and young adults) that break laws or rules, potentially leading to legal consequences. Examples include theft, bullying, vandalism, substance abuse, violence, cybercrime, cheating/exam malpractice, gang involvement, disobedience to authority and extortion.
Historical perspective
Traditional societies: Often handled youth offenses through community norms.
Colonial era (Nigeria): Imposed strict laws, discipline-focused approaches.
Post-1960s: Shift toward rehabilitation, counseling in schools.
Digital age: Rise of cybercrime; tech brings new challenges.
Current trends: Focus on prevention, mental health, tech-safety, restorative justice.
Prevalence in Nigeria
Studies show concerning rates of criminal behavior among Nigerian youth, often linked to:
Peer pressure
Family issues
Socio-economic factors
Media exposure
Lack of supervision
Poor school environment
Cultural norms
Trauma/exposure to violence
Drug availability
Unemployment prospects
Major Causes of Criminal Behaviour among the Youths
Family dynamics: Broken homes, abuse, neglect.
Peer influence: Fitting in, seeking status.
Socio-economics: Poverty, inequality, lack of opportunities.
Technology: Social media pressures, online risks.
School environment: Bullying, lack of support.
Media exposure: glorification of crime
Lack of moral education: ethics teaching gaps
Trauma/stress: coping mechanisms
Substance use: dependency
Cultural factors: norms around violence
Lack of future prospects: hopelessness
Psychosocial effects
To be continued…
For questions and medical consultations, contact: Dr. Suleiman Tajudeen, CEO and Director of Clinical Psychology, Clear Mind Psychological Consult, Km 15, Badagry Expressway, Ojo, Lagos. +234 803 402 4457
