Should Parents Pay ?

@Kandae11 (53677)
March 2, 2022 8:44am CST
Should parents be dragged before the courts when their juvenile children commit serious crimes? I have heard that debate in many quarters over the years, especially when a particularly serious crime committed by a child is highlighted in the news. The debate would go something like this: Where were the parents? Couldn't happen in a Christian home ; children not properly trained ; abusive parents ; father not around ; financially challenged parents. When a child is born , love, hope and joy is felt by the parents. They could never imagine that the precious , innocent little bundle held snugly in their arms could ever develop a criminal mind. What are your thoughts ? Do you think parents should be held responsible for criminal actions committed by their children? Pixabay image
12 people like this
12 responses
@RebeccasFarm (86838)
• United States
2 Mar 22
No I do not in general feel that it is always the parent's fault when a crime is committed by their children. It really is a multi faceted question, as if the parent's are raising the child, coaching the child to commit crime, well they will naturally be charged. And in some cases, children just commit crimes and it is no fault of the parent, then what?
3 people like this
• United States
2 Mar 22
@Kandae11 Yes many different scenarios indeed. Good question Kandase, thanks.
2 people like this
@Kandae11 (53677)
2 Mar 22
Well said. There are so many reasons ( one of them peer pressure) why a child could turn bad. Of course in some instances, the parent should be blamed too .
1 person likes this
• United States
2 Mar 22
@RebeccasFarm I couldn't have said it better myself Ocean. I was trying to think how to put into words what I was thinking and you said it all so I'm jumping on your response
2 people like this
@just4him (306855)
• Green Bay, Wisconsin
2 Mar 22
No. The Bible says the children are not responsible for the sins of their parents and parents aren't responsible for the sins of their children. We are each responsible for our own sins. The Bible also says - Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it. In that regard, parents are responsible for the training and education of the child. The child is responsible for obedience to authority, whether in the home or under civil authority, and should be held accountable for their actions.
2 people like this
@just4him (306855)
• Green Bay, Wisconsin
2 Mar 22
@Kandae11 A child that young is acting on what he or she saw in their parents. Chances are likely the parents committed the same crime. Therefore, they should be held responsible for their child's actions.
1 person likes this
@Kandae11 (53677)
2 Mar 22
@just4him l agree.
1 person likes this
@LadyDuck (458867)
• Switzerland
2 Mar 22
Parents are responsible for criminal actions committed by children under the age of 10 here. For children of older age, they could be obliged to pay if their children causes material damages.
1 person likes this
@LadyDuck (458867)
• Switzerland
3 Mar 22
@Kandae11 There is a special court for children of that age, they do not go to Prison, but send in special structures.
1 person likes this
@Kandae11 (53677)
2 Mar 22
I see. In the court system children in that age group cannot be taken before a judge, right ?
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (34398)
5 Mar 22
Many of the responses given I agree with, so I'll just say there is no easy answer. In some instances, the home environment can play a significant role in a child/adult's behavior later on. But it is not the rule, each case has its own set of circumstances and does not mean a child will turn to crime. Very interesting and stimulating post.
1 person likes this
@Kandae11 (53677)
6 Mar 22
I have heard people say things like : " that child was born bad". Now, how can that be possible ? Thank you.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (34398)
7 Mar 22
@Kandae11 Yes, that would be rare indeed. The only time where a case might be made that they were born with something not right would be serial killers like Ted Bundy, Jeffrey Dahmer and Jack the Ripper. In some cases, those who go on to become serial killers were raised in good homes.
1 person likes this
@porwest (78759)
• United States
2 Mar 22
No. I do not think parents should be held accountable for the crimes of their children. Some people are just bad. Sometimes it not at all a product of parenting—it just happens.
1 person likes this
@Kandae11 (53677)
2 Mar 22
I know of kids who are brought up by Christian parents - some turn out fine while others kind of rebel.Can't blame those parents.
1 person likes this
@porwest (78759)
• United States
2 Mar 22
@Kandae11 Christian households can sometimes be awful. Not all of course. But the ones who are devout and stifle their kids? Yeah. That has to be horrible. But even then, can't blame the parents. You are right.
@Rashnag (30594)
• Surat, India
2 Mar 22
In most cases, they shouldn't be. In some cases, parents are held responsible when children witness or face bad things at home in early childhood and hence does that same thing when growing up. Still I feel parents get very sad when their children does crime so shouldn't be held responsible
1 person likes this
@Kandae11 (53677)
2 Mar 22
Every parent would want the best for their children. In fact some parents love them so much they hesitate to correct them enough when it is needed.
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@Rashnag (30594)
• Surat, India
3 Mar 22
@Kandae11 True indeed. I agree and that's not good I guess for the child
@snowy22315 (170353)
• United States
2 Mar 22
Unfortunately, as they get older parents really have little control over what their children do. All they can do is try to set a good example and hope for the best. Unless there is obvious neglect or abuse going on, no I don't think they should be held responsible. Most are doing the best they know how to do.
1 person likes this
@Kandae11 (53677)
2 Mar 22
That is quite true , especially since the advent of the internet. When kids are in their rooms, it is difficult for parents to monitor what they are watching. I suppose there are ways to do it, but some won't take the time, or have the time to do it.
1 person likes this
@MandaLee (3758)
• United States
2 Mar 22
absolutely, they should.
1 person likes this
@Kandae11 (53677)
2 Mar 22
If the child is very young then l see the parents being held responsible.
@sjvg1976 (41131)
• Delhi, India
2 Mar 22
Yes, they should be blamed when they are minors. It's the parents who are footprints they follow. Many times they learn criminal activities from outside but that's the duty of parents to check what they do and should give their best, they don't go to the wrong path.
1 person likes this
@Kandae11 (53677)
2 Mar 22
Definitely there are instances when the blame lands squarely on the shoulders of the parents.instances when the child is ignored by the parent - not monitored ; left to his or her own devices - no control over what their young kids watch on the internet etc, etc.
@JudyEv (326098)
• Rockingham, Australia
3 Mar 22
So much depends on the circumstances but in general, I'd say no.
1 person likes this
@Kandae11 (53677)
3 Mar 22
I agree with that view.
1 person likes this
@Janet357 (75656)
2 Mar 22
They are to be blamed especially if the kids are minor and are under their custody.
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@Kandae11 (53677)
2 Mar 22
That is true in most cases.
@CarolDM (203451)
• Nashville, Tennessee
19 Feb 23
I think it all depends on the age of the child and the circumstances of the crime.