Looking at the Stats: Youth Crime is Actually on the Decline
Lately, it seems the media is crowded with copious amounts of articles relating to violent, and dangerous youth engaging in high profile, criminal activity. Eye catching titles in the news lead us to believe that the future of Generation Z (born 1996-2010) is doomed. Parents worry that with increasing access to violent video games, social media outlets, and virtually everything else on the world-wide web that youth are becoming desensitized, and consequentially prepared to engage in violent and serious crime. We are cautioned about keeping a close eye on our children, and protecting them from an increasingly dangerous world. Could it be true that the future of Generation Z is so ill-fated? Are these young people really getting into this much trouble?
Although this seems to be the trend in media, statistical evidence suggests that this is not the case. In fact, recent statistics prove quite the contrary. Reports by Statistics Canada for 2014/15 show that youth crime is declining at a quicker rate than adult crime. Furthermore, these statistics suggest that crimes committed by young offenders are of a low severity. For the most part, youth are engaging in non-violent or minimally violent crimes. They are also more likely to be charged with cannabis-related crimes. Interestingly, youth that are engaging in serious and violent crimes are more likely to offend while at school. These statistics paint a much different picture than what is readily available in popular media outlets.
According to Statistics Canada, “the youth crime rate has fallen 42% since 2000, a steeper drop than the 34% decrease recorded for the overall crime rate,” (2016, February 17). Crime rates across Canada have been declining for two decades, (Statistics Canada, 2017, March 3). This alone may surprise many. Although the media is a great tool to stay connected to the world, it is important to remain mindful of the target audience being catered to. High profile, violent reports captivate an audience, but these cases are the rarity. Statistics prove that as the population grows, these crime rates are indeed falling. Along with this, youth are much less likely than adults to be charged, and are involved in more minor offenses than adults.
Offenses being committed by youth are, for the most part, minor. According to Public Safety Canada Statistics (2009), the top five crimes committed by male youth are: theft under $5000, mischief, drug offenses, administration of justice violations and common assault (level one). For females, they were: theft under $5000, common assault (level 1), administration of justice violations, mischief, and other Criminal Code violations. Furthermore, according to Statistics Canada, 2014 statistics show that the most common offenses committed by youth were: theft under $5000, mischief and common assault. For the most part, youth are not becoming involved in major, violent offenses. Equally important to note is the amount of youth being charged with cannabis-related offenses.
Youth are being charged at a much higher rate with cannabis related offenses than adults. According to Statistics Canada, in 2014 youth were charged with cannabis-related offenses almost three times more often than adults. Overall, drug charge rates are declining in Canada, and are quite low. Important to note, young adults (aged 18- 24) are charged at the highest rate for cannabis related offenses. Reasons for these statistics are likely due to ease of access, popularity and average age of use.
When youth were involved in more serious, and violent offenses it was more likely to occur while at school. As reported by Statistics Canada, “About one in five violent crimes (19%) and just over one in four drug crimes (27%) involving an accused youth occurred at school during school hours or during a supervised activity,” (2016, February 17). These crimes are much less likely to be committed in the streets or public grounds, contrary to popular belief and media portrayal.
Although these statistics quantify something different than media portrayal of youth crime, it is paramount to acknowledge factors that could skew these results. It is important to note that these statistics only include individuals aged 12-18. The statistics from 2016 show that 10.9% of the population are aged 10-19, (Statistics Canada, 2016, August 28). Since youth only make up about one tenth of the population it makes sense that they are not committing the bulk of crime in Canada. Regardless, youth crime is still declining at a quicker rate than adult crime. Along with this, criminal activity amongst youth is rare and minor. The future of Generation Z may not be quite so doomed as we are led to believe.
— Cherylee Weaver, Individual Placement Program, WJS Canada