The Impact of Juvenile Gangs on Community Safety and Youth Development.

- Advocate Abdur Rob Parvez Robi,

Advocate, Supreme Court of Bangladesh.

The Impact of Juvenile Gangs on Community Safety and Youth Development. - Advocate Abdur Rob Parvez Robi

1. Introduction

Juvenile gangs pose significant challenges to the safety of communities and the healthy development of young people. Their presence contributes to increasing rates of violence, drug abuse, school dropouts, and long-term criminal behavior. This assignment explores the effects of juvenile gangs, the root causes, and the applicable legal and regulatory frameworks aimed at addressing the issue. The discussion includes international perspectives with particular focus on the context of Bangladesh.

2. Definition of Juvenile Gangs

A juvenile gang is typically defined as a group of adolescents or young adults, usually between the ages of 12 and 18, who engage collectively in criminal or delinquent behavior. These gangs often form based on peer influence, social or economic conditions, and a need for belonging or identity.

Who is a Juvenile:

A juvenile is a person who has not yet reached the age of legal adulthood—in most legal systems, this means someone below the age of 18.

Legal Definition in Bangladesh:

Under the Children Act, 2013 (Bangladesh):

A "child" or "juvenile" is defined as a person under the age of 18 years.

This definition is in line with international standards like the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), which also defines a child as:

"Every human being below the age of 18 years unless under the law applicable to the child, majority is attained earlier." (Article 1, CRC)

Types of Juveniles in Legal Context:

1. Juvenile in Conflict with the Law:

A person under 18 who is accused or found guilty of committing a criminal offense.

2. Juvenile in Need of Care and Protection:

A minor who is abandoned, neglected, abused, or at risk and needs state protection and rehabilitation.

3. Causes of Juvenile Gang Involvement

 

1. Family-Related Causes

• Broken Homes or Family Disintegration

Children from single-parent households or homes with domestic violence often seek a sense of belonging in gangs.

 

• Parental Neglect or Abuse

Lack of supervision, emotional support, or abusive behavior at home can push youth toward gangs for protection or attention.

 

• Criminal Influence in the Family

If family members are involved in crime or gangs, the child is more likely to follow the same path.

 

2. Peer Pressure and Social Influence

• Desire to Belong

Adolescents often join gangs to feel accepted or valued, especially if they are rejected elsewhere (e.g., at school or in their community).

• Fear or Intimidation

In some communities, not joining a gang may result in threats or violence, pushing youth into gang membership for self-preservation.

 

3. Poverty and Unemployment

• Lack of Economic Opportunities

Youth from poor families may see gang involvement as a way to earn money or gain social power.

• Urban Slum Conditions

Overcrowded, underdeveloped areas often become breeding grounds for gang culture due to lack of services and security.

 

4. School-Related Factors

• Dropping Out or School Failure

Poor academic performance or expulsion increases idle time and reduces positive engagement.

• Bullying and Social Exclusion

Victimized students may turn to gangs for protection or revenge.

 

5. Influence of Media and Social Media

• Glorification of Gang Life

Music, films, and online platforms often portray gangs as powerful, rich, or respected, misleading vulnerable youth.

• Online Recruitment and Peer Networks

Gangs now use social media to recruit and organize, making it easier for youth to be influenced digitally.

 

6. Lack of Community Engagement and Services

• Absence of Role Models or Mentors

Without community leaders or support systems, youth lack guidance and direction.

• Limited Access to Recreation or Youth Programs

Boredom and lack of structured activities can lead youth to gang involvement for excitement and identity.

 

7. Psychological and Emotional Factors

• Low Self-Esteem or Identity Crisis

Adolescents struggling with personal identity or self-worth may turn to gangs to feel empowered.

• Trauma or Mental Health Issues

Past abuse, neglect, or exposure to violence can result in behavioral problems and susceptibility to gang recruitment.

 

8. Political or Local Influence

• In some cases, gangs are politically backed or used for intimidation, blurring the line between crime and politics—especially in parts of urban Bangladesh.

4. Impact on Community Safety

• Increased Violent Crime: Gang activities often involve robbery, assault, extortion, and murder.
• Public Fear and Insecurity: Residents may avoid public places or withdraw from community life due to fear.
• Burden on Law Enforcement: Increased gang-related crimes require more police resources.
• Economic Impact: Local businesses may suffer due to instability or extortion.

 

5. Impact on Youth Development

• School Dropout and Academic Failure
• Substance Abuse
• Early Criminal Record
• Mental Health Issues (PTSD, Depression, Anxiety)
• Loss of Future Opportunities

6. Legal Framework and Regulations

Bangladesh Laws and Policies:

• Children Act, 2013
• Protects children in conflict with the law.
• Establishes Juvenile Courts and outlines rehabilitation instead of punishment.
• Emphasizes social reintegration and diversion programs.
• Penal Code 1860 & Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC)
• Apply to criminal acts by juveniles, though handled through separate juvenile justice mechanisms.
• Narcotics Control Act, 2018
• Regulates offenses involving drugs which many juvenile gangs are involved in.
• Digital Security Act, 2018
• Addresses cybercrimes, which some gangs use for recruitment and illegal transactions.

International Instruments:

• UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC)
• Ratified by Bangladesh, emphasizes protection, education, and rehabilitation of juvenile offenders.
• Beijing Rules (UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Administration of Juvenile Justice)
• Promote fair treatment and restorative justice principles.

7. Government and NGO Interventions

• Department of Social Services (DSS): Operates juvenile development centers.
• Bangladesh Shishu Academy & NGOs: Engage in awareness campaigns, youth empowerment, and education.
• Community Policing: Strengthens ties between police and youth to prevent gang activity.
• Rehabilitation Programs: Vocational training and counseling for at-risk youth.

 

Measures to Recover from Juvenile Gang Impact

Effective recovery from the influence and damage caused by juvenile gangs requires a coordinated effort involving law enforcement, education systems, social services, families, and the youths themselves. The following are key measures:

a. Rehabilitation and Reintegration Programs

• Juvenile Development Centers (JDCs) under the Ministry of Social Welfare help rehabilitate convicted juveniles.
• Psychological counseling, anger management, and drug rehabilitation are essential elements.
• Vocational training and skill-building empower youth to re-enter society as productive citizens.

b. Educational Reintegration

• Support for school re-admission or continuation.
• Flexible learning environments and special education support for former gang members.
• Partnership between schools and social services for at-risk youth.

c. Family Support and Counseling

• Family therapy sessions to restore relationships.
• Parenting workshops to help guardians understand how to monitor and guide adolescents.

d. Community Policing and Mentorship

• Police officers engage with youth to build trust and monitor gang-prone areas.
• Community mentors or ex-gang members can serve as role models for youth recovery.

e. Youth Engagement Programs

• Sports, arts, and cultural programs to channel energy positively.
• Leadership development programs and youth clubs with skill-building initiatives.

f. Digital Awareness and Cybercrime Monitoring

• Monitoring gang recruitment via social media.
• Educating youth on digital safety and cyber law.

12. Findings

Based on the study of legal frameworks, social research, and practical cases:

1. Juvenile gang involvement is rising in urban areas of Bangladesh due to lack of early intervention.
2. Current legal protections exist (e.g., Children Act 2013), but enforcement is inconsistent.
3. Social and economic factors such as poverty, family disintegration, and school dropout are major contributors.
4. Rehabilitation programs are under-resourced, and often cannot accommodate the growing number of juvenile offenders.
5. Community awareness is low, especially in urban slums and high-risk neighborhoods.
6. Lack of collaboration between schools, law enforcement, and social welfare departments leads to gaps in youth monitoring.
7. NGOs and civil society initiatives show promise, but remain limited in scale and reach.

 

8. Recommendations

 Establish Local Youth Monitoring Cells
Community-based groups that include teachers, social workers, and local police to monitor at-risk youth.

 Strengthen Legal Enforcement with Human Rights Focus
Ensure juvenile arrests are followed by proper legal procedure and rehabilitation opportunities, not punishment.

 Mandatory Counseling for First-Time Offenders
Divert youth from deeper criminal paths by offering psychological and social support.

 Increase Investment in Juvenile Infrastructure
Expand and improve Juvenile Development Centers (JDCs), including aftercare services post-release.

 Include Anti-Gang Education in School Curriculum
Educate students on the dangers of gang culture, peer pressure, and legal consequences.

 Digital Surveillance with Privacy Safeguards
Monitor digital platforms for recruitment while respecting children's rights.

 Public Awareness Campaigns
Media and local programs highlighting the dangers of gang involvement and the importance of positive youth engagement.

 Develop National Policy on Gang Prevention
A centralized strategy across ministries (Home, Education, Social Welfare) with clear roles and accountability.

9. Conclusion

Juvenile gangs are a multifaceted problem with far-reaching consequences for both community safety and the development of young people. A comprehensive approach—combining education, legal reform, rehabilitation, and community support—is essential to prevent juvenile delinquency and promote positive youth development. Legal frameworks such as the Children Act 2013 and international conventions provide a roadmap, but implementation and community participation remain key.

10. References

1. Children Act, 2013 (Bangladesh)
2. The Penal Code, 1860
3. Criminal Procedure Code, 1898
4. UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC)
5. United Nations Guidelines for the Prevention of Juvenile Delinquency (The Riyadh Guidelines)
6. UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Administration of Juvenile Justice (Beijing Rules)
7. Ministry of Social Welfare – Juvenile Development Programs
8. NGO Reports (Save the Children, BRAC, etc.)
9. Daily Star Reports on Gang Violence, 2022–2024
10. "Juvenile Justice in Bangladesh" – BLAST Legal Report, 2021