Chapter one

1.0 Introduction

1.1       Background to the study

Bad parenting can take many different forms, it usually refers to methods of raising children that are detrimental to their general growth, development, or well-being. The following are some typical traits and actions linked to poor parenting: abuse, neglect, disengagement, over protectiveness, and insufficient emotional support(Wu, Chia, Lee and Lee  2014). One of the most important issues that parenting need to solve is juvenile delinquency. Juvenile delinquency in the United States of America refers to a broad range of instances in which people who are underage—that is, those who have not turned 18—break the law. These situations could involve anything from murder to curfew violations (Basics on Juvenile Delinquency)( Wu, et al.  2014).Though to differing degrees, poor child rearing techniques are typically linked to juvenile criminality, which is believed to be caused by bad childhood experiences that are made worse by poor parenting techniques. Some of the latter may be seen as malpractices that lead to children's and teenagers' antisocial behavior  Nevertheless, a thorough investigation into the relationship between childrearing techniques and the severity of adolescent criminality has not yet been conducted. Recent publications give an overview of the key components of parenting approaches and styles that may serve as potential indicators of juvenile delinquency (Eke 2014).

In light of juvenile delinquency, a comparative examination of various childrearing techniques employed in industrialised and emerging nations indicates that certain elements that might forecast the social behaviour patterns of adolescents are universal. They may, however, behave differently in various familial and broader social contexts and show how the social, economic, and cultural circumstances of a particular culture, community, or family are related to them.  

Education experts, theorists, social workers, mental health specialists, and criminologists frequently believe that poor parenting is the primary cause of juvenile misbehavior. Numerous research have been done to determine how poor parenting contributes to juvenile criminality (Gottfredson  & Tonry, 2017). Researcher like, Farrington (2016) on the bases of his longitudinal study provided a productive ground for exploring and assessing the factors related to improper or bad parenting that are responsible for delinquent behavior among children. On the other hand, researchers like Gottfredson and Tonry (2017) attempted to examine the most significant parenting elements that have caused such identified offenders to become professional criminals with the assistance of identified offenders, or delinquents who have been released from jails. Many studies have been done to determine the relationship between poor parenting and delinquency in children. The results have shown that poor parenting, which includes harsh discipline, unaware or overprotective parents, a lack of attachment between the child and parents, and parental rejection, is often regarded as the primary cause of future child offending, and that children who have experienced poor parenting as early as possible are more likely to commit violent crimes (Farrington 2016). It is to this the study centres on Impact Of Bad Parenting On Juvenile Delinquency In Karu L.G.A

1.2  STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM  

In Nigeria, the number of teenagers involved in delinquent behaviours is rising. Over the past twenty years, teenagers have been involved in a variety of crimes, from small-time theft to large-scale robberies and murders. Concerns about the severity of teenage criminality and behavioural issues have grown among the public and law enforcement this as a result of poor and bad parenting practices among residents in the study area  (Wu, Chia, Lee and Lee 2014).  According to Wu, Chia, Lee and Lee( 2014), between 1986 and 2014, the rate of adolescent delinquency increased from 367 to 538 per 100,000. They stated that shoplifting accounted for around 38% of juvenile arrests in 2014 and simple theft for 18% of juvenile arrests, with the majority of adolescents being detained for small-time offences like stealing. Their study's findings also indicate that 15% of all crimes were classified as major crimes, including robberies, extortions, and rioting, the study further showed that parents are the root cause of these criminal  behaviors among  young children the study noted that parents have neglected their roles as parents in the lives of their children causing the children to be wayward. 

Kring, Davison, Neale and Johnson (2017) show that there are two main components included in the diagnostic criteria for antisocial personality disorder (ADP): "A pervasive pattern of disregard for others' rights since the age of 15; and ii. The presence of a conduct disorder prior to the age of 15 (frequent lying, truancy, running away from home, theft, arson, and deliberate destruction of property, inconsistent work patterns, breaking the law, irritability, physical aggression, debt default, recklessness, impulsivity, failure to plan ahead, and a lack of remorse for wrongdoings”. Eke, (2014) identifies criminal and status offences as the two primary types of delinquent behavior that teenagers in Nigeria participate in. Theft, arson, rape, drug offences, murder, burglary, pickpocketing, and armed robbery are among the crimes. She did, however, list truancy, lying, running away from home, and other status crimes. Boroffice (2014) thinks that teenage behaviour is predisposed to by a number of elements, including parental  influences,. The threat of homelessness on our city streets is already a societal issue for the government, the people, and Karu. Teenagers may flee from home or school due to conflicts with parents as a result of bad parenting, which also run the risk of exposing them to unfavourable associations (Okorodudu and Omoni, 2015).

Okorodudu and Omoni (2015) additionally noted that teenagers may display violent behaviour towards the greater community, juvenile delinquency, vandalism, destruction of public property, maiming and killing of parents, and suicide thoughts.  Ekojo & Adole (2017) identify juvenile delinquency as gang delinquency. The juvenile offenders who belong to gangs are teenagers and young people who engage in criminal activities. Numerous studies on the triggers for bad parenting and teenage delinquency have been conducted. Adolescence is a turbulent and stressful time which requires good parenting. The Nasarawa  State Government had developed and implemented many strategies to reduce juvenile delinquency in our community, but without success therefore it is  important parents play key role in moreal upbringing of their children to help reduce crime (Okpako, 2014). It is to this the study centres on Impact Of Bad Parenting On Juvenile Delinquency In Karu L.G A

1.3 RESEARCH QUESTIONS

1 What are  the causes of juvenile delinquency  among residents of Karu L.G.A?

2 What is the impact of bad parenting on children  in Karu L.G.A?

3 What is the relationship between bad parenting and  juvenile delinquency in Karu L.G.A?

4 what are the parental  factors influencing juvenile delinquency in Karu L.G.A?

1.3  OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The Objective of the Study Is to Examine Impact of Bad Parenting on Juvenile Delinquency in Karu L.G.A other specific objectives include:

1 To outline the causes of juvenile delinquency among residents of Karu L.G.A

2 To examine the impact of bad parenting on children in Karu L.G.A

3 To examine the relationship between bad parenting and juvenile delinquency in Karu L.G.A

4 To ascertain parental factors influencing juvenile delinquency in Karu L.G.A

1.6 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The study contributes to the academic literature on juvenile delinquency and parenting, particularly in the Nigerian context, which may have different socio-cultural dynamics compared to other regions. Findings can be used for comparative studies with other countries or regions, providing a broader understanding of how parenting impacts juvenile delinquency globally. Furthermore  the study will serve is a guide for other researchers to further their research.

1.7 SCOPE OF THE STUDY

The study will cover impact of bad parenting on juvenile delinquency in karu L.G.A .The study is delimited to Karu Local government Area in Nasarawa state. The Karu Urban Area is an urban area in central Nigeria. The urban area is majorly located in the Nigerian state of Nasarawa, but with some parts stretching into the boundaries of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). It has an area of 40,000 hectares (400 km2) and a population of some 2 million. It is one of the fastest growing urban areas in the world, with a growth rate of 40 percent recorded annually. It consists of towns that developed as a result of urban sprawl from Abuja. From west to east, the urban area includes towns like Kurunduma, New Nyanya, Mararaba, New Karu, Ado, Masaka and newer, fast-growing towns such as One Man Village (which contains over 1 million people), New Karshi  and Gidan Zakara. Since the beginning of the 20th century, these districts have grown together into a large urban area and a major commercial centre of central Nigeria.