Why Do Teens Turn to Crime? Getting to the Root of the Problem

April 27, 2025

Why Do Teens Turn to Crime? Getting to the Root of the Problem

When a teenager gets arrested or enters the juvenile justice system, the public often asks, “What went wrong?” But at Your Turning Point, Inc., we ask a different question: What was missing?

Behind every act of youth violence or criminal behavior, there’s usually a story — not just of rebellion, but of pain, neglect, or survival. If we want to reduce youth crime, we need to understand its roots — and address them with compassion, structure, and mentorship.

The Leading Causes of Teen Criminal Behavior

Research shows that teenage criminal activity is almost never random. It’s typically the result of deep and consistent deficits in family support, mental health, economic stability, and positive adult relationships.

Here are some of the most common contributing factors:

1. Lack of Positive Role Models and Parental Supervision

According to the National Center for Fathering, children from father-absent homes account for:

71% of high school dropouts
85% of youth in prison
90% of homeless or runaway children

In a study by Child Trends, teens without adult role models were significantly more likely to engage in drug use, truancy, and delinquent behavior.

“Youth without adult supervision are more likely to be arrested, use substances, and drop out of school.”
— Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention

Without consistent guidance, teens often turn to peers — or worse, gangs — to find identity and belonging.

2. Unstable Family Environments

80% of incarcerated youth reported experiencing at least one form of abuse or household dysfunction.
(Source: National Child Traumatic Stress Network)

Family conflict, domestic violence, divorce, and neglect often leave teens emotionally wounded. These youth may act out not because they’re bad — but because they’ve never known safety or stability.

3. Poverty and Lack of Economic Opportunity

Poverty is strongly linked with juvenile crime. Low-income neighborhoods often lack safe recreation spaces, extracurricular opportunities, and access to mental health services.

The Urban Institute reports that youth in high-poverty areas are twice as likely to commit property crimes and three times more likely to engage in violent offenses.

Economic instability can lead youth to commit crimes out of desperation — for money, food, or status.

4. Trauma and Mental Health Struggles

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL):

70% of youth in the juvenile justice system have a diagnosable mental health disorder.

Many of these youth experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), particularly from witnessing violence or growing up in abusive households.

When trauma is left untreated, it can manifest as aggression, impulsivity, or criminal behavior.

5. Negative Peer Influence

Without mentors or supportive families, many teens find their identity in the wrong crowd. Gang involvement, substance abuse, and violence often follow.

In a 2020 study by the National Gang Center, peer pressure was cited as the #1 reason teens join gangs — often as early as ages 12 to 14.

The Common Thread: A Missing Mentor

While each of these factors is complex, they all share one tragic thread: the absence of consistent, positive adult guidance.

Whether it’s a missing parent, an unavailable caregiver, or the lack of a trusted mentor, the void left behind can lead youth down a dangerous path.

But when that void is filled with encouragement, accountability, and love — transformation happens.

The Power of Mentorship in Prevention

Mentorship isn’t a magic cure, but it is one of the most proven and effective tools in reducing youth crime.

Mentored youth are 46% less likely to use illegal drugs, and 55% more likely to enroll in college
(Source: The National Mentoring Partnership)

In one long-term study by Public/Private Ventures, mentored teens were 70% less likely to start committing crimes compared to non-mentored peers.

Mentorship helps youth:

– Set goals and make better decisions
– Build emotional resilience
– Develop a sense of belonging and worth
– Gain alternatives to destructive behavior

Real Lives, Changed Direction

At Your Turning Point, Inc., we’ve worked with teens facing some of the darkest situations — abuse, poverty, legal trouble, and more. And we’ve seen what happens when they’re matched with a caring mentor, introduced to structured boxing, and given a safe space to grow.

They don’t just stay out of trouble — they begin to thrive.