Re: When good wombs bear bad sons

I think that the parental responsibilty law is rather absurd. I agree with the criminologists. There are other factors that affect a child's development thus it is logical to think that other factors, other than bad upbringing, can affect a child's likelihood of becoming delinquent. Especially for the child mentioned in the article. He is in his adolescent years, meaning he is in his rebellious stage. Teenagers usually do not listen to their parents at this stage so there is a high possibility that the parents DID teach their children good morals but they just did not heed their advice.

For juveniles who commit criminal offences like manslaughter, murder, rape, arson, and other violent crimes, I think they should be sent to the boys home and be counselled. People who commit crimes like that tend to be people who have immense hatred in their hearts so I think it is not a very efficient method to put them behind bars as their resentment and hatred may grow, resulting in serial crimes.

As for less violent crimes like vandalism, burglary, outrage of modesty, etc, the parents can be informed and taught how to deal with children who do that. As I have said, it is not entirely their fault that their children commit crimes like that. All of us know that humans are not perfect creatures thus they do make mistakes. It is part and parcel of life.

Society can reduce juvenile delinquency by letting everyone have the chance to get a good education, encouraging and as people who are more educated will tend to think twice before commiting crimes. They also know good moral values so they will teach their children to behave well by setting a good example for them.

In the case of the 16 year old boy who was charged with murder, I think he should see a psycharist. He may have a valid reason to do so, seeing a psycharist may help him clear things up in his mind and most importantly learn how to forgive himself. One should learn how to forgive themselves as living with guilt will not end up well. As for his (step)parents, they can see a counseller to learn how to deal with a son like that.

In conclusion, things can be solved in better and maybe more efficient ways so there is no need to introduce a parental responsibilty law in Singapore. :)