Factors influencing juvenile sexual crimes: An eco-system-based analysis

Abstract

This paper explores the social and cultural factors contributing to juvenile sexual offenses. It examines how family environment, school education, peer influence, and cultural norms shape adolescents’ understanding of sexuality and interpersonal boundaries. The paper argues that dysfunctional family relationships and insecure attachment patterns may impair emotional regulation and social development, increasing the likelihood of maladaptive behaviors during adolescence. In addition, inadequate or absent sex education in schools may lead adolescents to rely on unreliable sources such as peers or online media, which can distort their understanding of sexuality. Peer influence and social learning processes may further reinforce risky or deviant behaviors. Cultural norms and patriarchal social structures are also discussed as potential contributors, particularly where sexual topics are highly taboo or restricted, potentially leading to repression and misunderstanding. Finally, the paper acknowledges the limitation of focusing primarily on social factors and suggests that future research should incorporate biological influences, including genetic predispositions related to impulsivity and aggression, to provide a more comprehensive explanation of juvenile sexual offending.