The study of criminological theories to solve the problem of juvenile delinquency

Abstract

This article aims to explore approaches to identify the causes and protections preventing juvenile delinquency, particularly in cases of an affray between students, whether within the same or between different educational institutions. Criminological theories were analysed to identify the causes and apply the findings to seek the protections and preventions of juvenile delinquency. Herein, this is a document research employing qualitative analysis.

The study found that the criminological theories that can be effectively applied to prevent juvenile delinquency are the Subcultural Theory, Social Bonding Theory, Community Relations Theory, and Law Enforcement Theory. This led to the guidance or measures to prevent or solve the problems of juvenile delinquency, for instance, applying in practice of those four theories, establishing the central coordination of a protection of juvenile, collaborating between public and private organizations for the benefits of juvenile, establishing a National Child Ombudsman, and attending to solve the problems by agencies in the community, namely the Royal Thai Police, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, and local government organizations, including appointing educational personnel with knowledge of criminology and psychology to solve problems for children and youth promptly, additionally, could efficiently implement a program to solve the problems.

The researcher proposes the following recommendations are relevant to agencies, particularly the principal agencies that are involved in the incident of juvenile delinquency, including schools or educational institutions, police stations, the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, and local government organizations. Schools or educational institutions in particular areas need to collaborate in utilising criminological theories as guidance to solve the problems in question and must cooperate with the police and other relevant agencies to monitor, evaluate, and prevent further juvenile delinquency.