T
he majority of US adolescents are on a normal path to a healthy, happy adult life. However, the adolescent years can be challenging and there is always a portion of these young adults that face juvenile delinquency. Alcohol and drug use as well as violence, illegal activity and unprotected sex all exist within this category.
In recent years there have been a variety of studies completed that shows an interesting correlation when it comes to delinquency. These reports conclude that there is a direct relationship between supervised after school activities for children and reduced or eliminated adolescent delinquency.
Confirmed studies show that of all eight graders, 27 percent spend on average two or more hours alone each day. With most juvenile crimes committed in the hours right after school lets out, the correlation mentioned before can easily be supported. After school supervision, whether with staff or family members, provides children the opportunity to learn, be mentored as well as have positive role models.
Reducing the characteristics in children that can result in delinquency, while supporting the characteristics that nurture children is encouraged through community-integrated supervision. Community service, peer mentoring and advised conflict resolution strengthens skills like problem solving, self-confidence and responsibility.
Young children that instead of partaking in a supervised after school program, are left alone or with an unsupervised group of peers are vulnerable to risk factors that can lead to an unhealthy adolescence. The lack of monitoring from adults as well as cognitive and psychological development increase the chances of gang activity, theft, access to drugs and guns and violence.
Three decades of observation and studying support the correlation between supervision and decreased delinquency. Fewer adolescents are now making unlawful or unhealthy choices thanks to participation in supervised after school programs. And now, more are finding a successful young adult lifestyle full of value instead of crime.