Acknowledgement

The completion of this research has been made possible with the cooperation of some very kind
residents of Port Maria, St. Mary. I would like to thank the residents of Port Maria, St. Mary for
the support given and the time they took answering the questionnaires given. My mother has
been a huge help in assisting with the proof reading of the information. I also want to thank my
mother for helping me with distributing the questionnaires to the residents and collecting data for
my research. I also thank my friend Romario Reid, for pushing me to spend time to do my
project properly.
Once again a very special thanks to all who guided me on, every step of the way of this exercise
that was given to me. Most of all thank God for giving me life.

Introduction
1

What Is The Level And Extent Of Juvenile Delinquency In My Area, Causes And Concerns?
Juvenile delinquency is very obvious among our youths today. According to Jones and Bartlett
Publishers LLC, juvenile delinquency is actions that violate the law, committed by a person
under the legal age of majority. Also according to Modules in Social Studies by Rampersad
Ramsawak and Ralph R. Umraw, a Juvenile is defined as an individual under the age of eighteen
(18) years where as juvenile delinquents are persons under the age of eighteen years who engage
in criminal activities and break the law.
I have been a resident of Port Maria, St. Mary for 16 years. During this time I have seen the
number of juvenile delinquents increase greatly in this area. Although the causes of juvenile
delinquency vary from person to person it is a great concern to many of us. This research
attempts to investigate the level and extent of juvenile delinquency and the causes and concerns
in my area.
Port Maria is the capital of St. Mary with a population of 7,500, of this population
approximately 60% are youths. Port Maria home to the Moneague College, two Primary Schools,
one High school, four Basic Schools, The Port Maria Hospital, a Library, a number of Churches
and various other Businesses.

The researchers concern increased greatly when he witnessed a lot of juveniles on the street
smoking and idling most of which are illiterate.
2

In this research, readers will find information on;

Frequency of juvenile delinquency
Age group of juvenile delinquents
Crimes committed by juvenile delinquents
Drugs frequently used by juvenile delinquents
Most Common behavior of juvenile delinquents
What are the major causes of juvenile delinquency?
The social class that juvenile delinquency is most common amongst
Does lack of education contributes to juvenile delinquency
The negative effect of juvenile delinquency parents and society
What is the extent of juvenile delinquency now than earlier times?

Research Questions
3

What is the level of juvenile delinquency in my community?

What is the extent of juvenile delinquency?
What are some of the causes of juvenile delinquency?
What are the concerns of Juvenile delinquency?

Statement of the Problem

It is the intention of the researcher to discover through investigation the level and extent of
juvenile delinquency in my area Port Maria, St. Mary, the causes and concerns?
4

Reason for Selecting the Area of Research

What Is The Level And Extent Of Juvenile Delinquency In My Area, Causes And Concerns?
The selected area of research is Port Maria the Capital of St. Mary. Port Maria has an area of
610 square kilometers. It has a population of approximately 7,500 people of which about 60%
5

are youths. This is the area I live in so the study would be easy and convenient. It also raises
concerns to me as a youth living in the area.

This area was selected for a number of reasons, the crime rate has worsened over the years,
youth are hanging around on the streets too often and residents complains of regular burglaries
and disturbances, I have therefore decided to conduct a survey to Investigate the Level and
Extent of Juvenile Delinquency, in my area-causes and concerns because it is affecting the
positive growth and development of the youth community and this is heart rending.
The level and extent of juvenile delinquency, the causes and concerns in my area is becoming a
widespread problem and therefore raising a lot of concerns and causing worry in the society. I
want to outline how this causes sadness as most juvenile delinquents prey of some of the
vulnerable children and make their lives really uncomfortable and putting them in danger of
defending themselves thus committing a crime themselves. So when it is written by a youth
there is a possibility that the sad effect juvenile delinquency have on other youths will be
realized. It also causes a lot of stress on some parents who really tries.

Method of Investigation
In order to collect data/information from residents the researcher used two different methods of
investigation, Questionnaires and Informal Interviews.
In the method Questionnaires, thirty printed questionnaires, which were given to thirty randomly
selected residents.
6

Questionnaires were used because of its many advantages, such as it required little time to be
completed. It can be done at the convenience of the person required to have it completed. It
guarantees confidentiality since respondents are not required to attach their names. It allows
individuals to feel more at ease answering the questionnaires rather than having to do it verbally.
Allows easy analysis of the Data gathered.
In the method Informal Interview, six juvenile delinquents were chosen at the Football field.
This method was used because most of them are illiterate and expressed that they were more
comfortable talking about their situation using their own language.

Data Collection Instrument

COPY OF QUESTIONNAIRE
SURVEY OF THE LEVEL & EXTENT OF JUVENILE DELIQUENCY IN MY AREA
PORT MARIA, ST.MARY
7

Dear Residents,
This is a survey being carried out in Port Maria, St. Mary to determine the level and extent of
juvenile delinquency in todays society. This study is being is conducted as an assignment for
a Social Studies S.B.A which is a part of external exam grade.
You are being asked to answer the questions as honestly and truthfully as you can. You do not
have to write your names anywhere so no one will know who answered the questions.
Remember this is not a test therefore there are no right or wrong answers.
Most of the questions can be answered by a tick in the box like this . , instructions are
given where necessary.
Thanking you

Yours sincerely,
J.Ashpole

RESIDENTS QUESTIONNAIRE

1. Sex

Male

Female

2. What is your Age ____________?

3. Religion
8

Christianity

Muslim

catholic

none

4. How long have you been residing in Port Maria?

Over 10 years

6-10 years

Less than 1 year

5. Is juvenile delinquency frequent in your area? Why?

Yes

No

6. What is the age group of juvenile delinquents in your area?

79

10 13

14 17

7. What are the crimes committed by the juveniles?

Gang Wars

Underage Smoking/Drinking

Burglary

Vandalism

8. Which drug is most often used by juvenile delinquents?

Ganga (Marijuana)

Cocaine

Cigarette

Alcohol

9. Which of the parent are normally present in life of delinquent juvenile?

Father Only

Mother Only

Grandparent(s) only

Mother and Father

10. What are the most common behavioral Patterns of juvenile delinquents?

10

Aggressive

Abusive

Loving

Quiet

11. What is the Educational status among Juvenile Delinquents in your area? Give a
Short explanation.

Educated

Lack of Education

Little Education

12. In which social class can juvenile delinquents be found in most?

Lower class

Middle class

Upper class

13. What do you think is the major cause for juvenile delinquency?
Music/Social Media

Lack of proper parenting

11

Psychological Problems

Lack of Love & Attention

Peer Pressure

14. What is the extent of juvenile delinquency now than in earlier times?
Out of control

Overwhelming

Easy to live with

Bad

15. What negative effects juvenile delinquency has on parents and society? Give one
short answer.
.

Informal Interview questions

1. What is your age? ..................................................................................................................

2. What cause you to do the things you do? ............................................................................

3. How do you think you can be helped? ..

4. Do you attend School, if no why not? ...

5. Do you smoke or drink?

12

6. Which Parent do you live with?

Procedures for Data Collection

Port Maria, St. Mary was the area chosen because its the area I live in. Three districts in Port
Maria were selected due to accessibility. It was deemed adequate that three district would be
sufficient to get a reasonable idea on the level and extent of juvenile delinquency the causes and
concerns.
A test of the procedure was done by giving a copy of the questionnaire to one of my friends and
one of my cousins to complete who found it informative answering the questions.
A total of 30 questionnaires were prepared for distribution to the residents. It was expected that
about 25 persons might be willing to participate. I choose persons according to their disposition
(how friendly I thought they looked at the time). 10 residents from each district were randomly
selected and ask to complete the questionnaires.
On August 14th, 2013 the Questionnaires prepared were hand delivered to10 residents of each of
the following districts, Warner Street, Rectory Street, and Cox Street of Pot Maria.
The amount 14 questionnaires were completed while I waited patiently and 16 residents ask that
I pick up the questionnaires the next day. Out of the 16 questionnaires that were left with the
residents only 11 completed questionnaires were collected. Just 5 residents reported that they
13

didnt find the time to complete the questionnaire. A total of 25 questionnaires out of the 30 were
completed.
In the informal interview 6 juvenile delinquents were identified but only 4 were willing to
participate. The 4 juvenile delinquents were asked 6 questions each. This was done at the ball
field in each of the three districts where the youths came to play Football each chance they get in
the evenings.

Presentation of Data

Question # 2. Age of Respondents.

14

% of
Respondents
60%

50%

40%
25-30
35-45
15-18

30%

20%

10%

0%
Age 15-18

Ages 25-30

Ages 35-45

Ages of Respondents

Figure 1.
The bar graph above shows that 48% or 12 of respondents were between the ages 35-45. 32% or
8 respondents were between the ages 15-18 and 20% or 5 respondents were between the ages 2530.

Question # 4 Number of Years Respondents resides in Port Maria.

15

Le
ss

Th
an
1

Ye
ar

Over 10 Years
6-10 Years
Less than 1 Year

16%

e
Ov

52%

10
6-

s
ar
Ye

rs
ea
Y
0
r1

32%

Number of Years of Residency

in Percentage

Figure 2.
The Pie Chart above shows that 52% of respondents resided in the area for over 10 Years, 32% of
the respondents resided in the area for 6-10 years and 16% of the Residents resided in the area
for less than 1 year.

Question #7. What are the crimes committed by the Juvenile Delinquents?

16

Types of Crime
Vandalism

Burglary

Crimes

Under Age Drinking/Smoking

Gang Wars

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

% of Crimes

Figure 3.
The Bar Graph shows that 55% of the juvenile delinquents committed the crime Of Underage
Drinking/Smoking, 22% commits Burglary, 15% commits Vandalism and 8% commits Gang
Wars.

Question # 8. Which Drug is most Often Used by Juvenile Delinquents?

17

Drug

Female

Male

Marijuana(Ganga)

Cocaine

Cigarette

Alcohol

Figure 4.
The Table above shows the Drug most often used by Juvenile Delinquents. 8 Female, 4 male
answered Marijuana is often used. 2 Females 1 Male answered Cocaine. 1 Female 2 Male
answered Cigarette and 4 Females, 3 Males answered Alcohol was most often used.

18

Question # 11. What is the Educational status among Juvenile Delinquents in your area?

%60%
of Education Status
50%
40%
Yes

30%

None
Little

20%
10%
0%
Education

Lack of education Little Education

Education Status of Juvenile Delinquents

Figure 5.
The Bar graph shows the educational status among juvenile delinquents. Respondents indicated
that 15% of juvenile delinquents were Educated, 55% of juvenile delinquents were lacking
Education and 30% had little Education.

Question # 2. Of Informal Interview. What caused you to do the things you do?

19

Reasons

25%
No Idea
No Parent
50%

Lack of Love and Attention

25%

Figure 6.
The Donut about shows the reason given for being a Juvenile Delinquent.. 25% or 1 Juvenile
Delinquent said having no Parent is the cause. 50% or 2 Juveniles Delinquent said the lack of
Love and Attention is the factor and the other 25% or 1 said they had no idea

Analysis and Interpretation of Data

There was unanimous agreement by the residents of Port Maria, St. Mary on the possible causes
of juvenile delinquency and how it can be alleviated. This little exercise left residents with a
number of ways to prevent the increase of juvenile delinquency as it got them thinking. They
have realized that juvenile delinquency has become way out of control than in earlier times. The
problem of juvenile delinquency should not only be tackled in the homes but on a much wider
basis as far as community wise where everyone in the community should play a part as a team
instead of individually.
20

The questionnaires show that 48% or 12 of respondents were between the ages 35-45. 32% or 8
respondents were between the ages 15-18 and 20% or 5 respondents were between the ages 2530.
As per the survey 52% of respondents resided in the area for over 10 Years, 32% of the
respondents resided in the area for 6-10 years and 16% of the Residents resided in the area for
less than 1 year.
The survey shows that 55% of the juvenile delinquents committed the crime Of Under-age
Drinking/Smoking, 22% commits Burglary, 15% commits Vandalism and 8% commits Gang
Wars.
The Drug most often used by Juvenile Delinquents according to 8 female, 4 male is Marijuana.
2 Female 1 Male answered Cocaine. 1 Female 2 Male answered Cigarette and 4 Females, 3
Males answered Alcohol was most often used.
The educational status among juvenile delinquents was indicated by Respondents to be as
follows; 15% of juvenile delinquents were Educated, 55% of juvenile delinquents were lacking
Education and 30% had little Education. So it can be safely noted that the lack of education
contributes to juvenile delinquency a whole lot.
According to the informal interview the reason given for being a Juvenile Delinquent is as
follows. 25% or 1 Juvenile Delinquent said having no Parent is the cause. 50% or 2 Juveniles
Delinquent said the lack of Love and Attention is the factor and the other 25% or 1 said they had
no idea.
The age group 35-45 and 15-17 thinks that what can alleviate the problem of delinquency are
emotional stability, love and affection. Of these two age groups 60% or 15 of the respondents
were female who seem to be very concerned about the path and well-being of the youths.
It seem more and more youths are following the negatives path and therefore on the road to
destruction as they are way out of control.
Furthermore, it is my opinion that this is so because they dont get the attention that they think
they deserve. Juvenile Delinquents tend to behave badly because of how they are treated and
how they are feeling as if they are not wanted. On the other hand the growth of Juvenile
Delinquency increases from time to time due to some very silly reasons.
It is in my opinion that some persons/parents refuse to give them the attention they deserve.
They seem to prefer when they end up on the road late at nights doing crime and causing
problems in the community.

Last but certainly not least I will outline the point that sometimes the factors contributing to
juvenile delinquency can be avoided as they dont cost a penny. Examples of these are;
Love
Attention
Quality time
21

 Acceptance
Affection
While on the other hand some of the delinquents really need psychological help which some
parents cant afford or most times this is overlooked or a blind eye is turned. Some delinquents
are however just spoilt and think they can do anything just for the fun of it or to prove they are
tough. Juvenile delinquency in the end has a very negative effect on the community and society
and also causes stress on the Parents as a result of delinquency becoming so disastrous.

Statements of Findings

The survey has revealed the level, extent, causes and concerns of juvenile delinquency in Port
Maria, St. Mary.
These include:

The level of juvenile delinquency in Port Maria, St. Mary is rising at an alarming
rate over the years so the law enforcement agencies are packed with youths on a
daily basis.
22

 The Extent of Juvenile Delinquency is that the juvenile delinquents are so blatant
with their crimes and bad behavior it does not matter if an adult is present as they
dont have any respect for authority at all.

One major cause of Juvenile Delinquency in my Area Port Maria, St. Mary is Lack of
proper parenting and supervision in the homes, as parents have to work, most of them
going abroad to seek employment leaving the kids with elderly grandparents or with
barely older siblings.

The concern that is raised regarding Juvenile delinquents is that they are getting way out
of control because of some form of physical or emotional abuse and not much is being
done to protect them so we have scared and damaged adults of the future who cannot
function properly in the society.

A look at training in proper parenting skills to include tolerance and patience with these
youths will be a step towards trying to solve the problem of juvenile delinquency. Also
community centers which will provide positive activities and training for the youths.

Recommendations and Implementation Strategy

The importance of trying to alleviate and control juvenile behavior cannot be taken lightly. In
order to maintain a safe and healthy society/environment in Port Maria the residents and
volunteers all have their parts to play in trying to remedy many of the problems caused by the
juveniles of the community and also in helping them.
One of the most important recommendations is the need for helping the juvenile by talking to
them, tutoring them with school works and problems and guiding them, thus putting them on the
right path and showing them love on a regular basis. Furthermore, helping them and putting
them on the right path to prevent the increase of juvenile delinquency should be done
approximately the same time each time a problem occurs to prevent the juveniles from returning
to this bad kind of behavior. For this to work residents should put their effort and time in helping
these juveniles and continue putting them on the right path as long as necessary. Members of the
23

community can further play their part by keeping these juveniles on track by looking out for
them with a kind word or gesture most times.
A Psychologist should be made available for private sessions with each juvenile in the area who
is willing to seek help. This is sure to help and maintain the behavior of the juveniles.

In order to try and curve juvenile delinquency I the researcher would recommend the following
from an early age:
Children should be spoken to with kindness not harsh words.
When reprimanding youth be stern but not cruel.
Spend time with slow youth rather than ridiculing them.
Find an activity in the home that included all children.
Set duties to give them a sense of responsibility.
Balance leisure time and school time (all work and no play makes jack a dull boy as the
saying goes.)
Implement more youth groups and clubs

Conclusion

Investigating and finding the causes of juvenile delinquency and trying to alleviate it ensure that
the residents have a healthy and safe community and society. Helping the juveniles by
addressing the problems they are having will make a happier and comfortable youth community.
It seems that most youths become juveniles because of emotional instability, low self-esteem,
low self-worth and psychological issues. If these are the cases most of the juveniles can be
reformed with a whole lot of work and funding.
It is sad as it seem most of our youths are verbally, sexually or physically abused beyond repair
and therefore more attention needs to be paid to the youths which will be the adults of the future.

24

It is seen that there will be juvenile delinquents that cannot be helped as they wont accept that
they have a problem and therefore refuse help and there are also those who just like the path they
choose so the ones that can be help should get the help they need.
Juvenile delinquency is found in almost all the social classes of the society with the most
juveniles found in the lower class group. Lack of education is very popular among juvenile
delinquents as most juvenile delinquents dont seem to attend school. There are those
delinquents who dont have a clue to why they became delinquents.
A high rate of substance abuse, underage drinking and smoking is very high with juvenile
delinquents while the crime rate increases over the years. The different types of media play a big
role in influencing certain behavior in the juvenile delinquents.
Last but not least juvenile delinquents are also a result of improper parenting, for example
parents themselves being on drugs or incarcerated therefore absent. Youths are the future adults
so therefore more care and protection needs to be taken of them to ensure a better Society. This
will also ensure a lower crime rate among juveniles.

Bibliography

My research information was made possible with the help of the following sources:

Residents Of Port Maria (Collection of Data)

www.Wikipedia Encyclopedia.Com ( picture for cover page)

Microsoft word

(Provided the software for typing my SBA)

25

 CXC Social Studies Essentials with SBA, Study Guide & Exercises - Mervyn C. Sandy
& Stephenson C. Grayson (for example on the layout of the SBA)

Modules In Social Studies - Rampersad Ramsawak & Ralph R. Umraw ( Format and
layout of SBA and definition)

www.Jones & Bartlett Publishers LLC ( Definition and information)

26