KEY POINTS:
Opening the door for criminal prosecutions against children for serious crimes would be a giant leap in the wrong direction, children advocacy groups say.
Children's Commissioner Cindy Kiro said instead of locking up children the system should look at recognising criminal tendencies, early intervention and reform.
This forum debate has now closed. Here is a selection of your views on the topic.
Anne Barber
I think the age for young children should be lowered. They do the crime, they do the time. Come on Cindy, get your head out of the clouds,help prior to these young ones killing and maiming people or there after does not work, take a look at Bailey and he still has no regrets for the life he took. Ask why Bailey was transferred from Youth Justice North, he was out of control there. These children know exactly what they are doing, The new Bills protect the children of today, they know that adults can't reprimand them physically for their wrong doings, they know the law can't touch them for any crimes they do. Where is the justice for the rest of us?
SB
Tougher sentencing does not act as a deterrent for adults and I doubt it would make much of a difference for teen offending. Instead of trying to cover up the symptoms of youth offending we need to be looking for ways to fix the problem. I think taking responsibility for ones actions is always important when crimes have been committed, however, there are many more avenues, which do not involve hefty prison sentences, in which youth offending can be dealt with that are far more effective and preventative (in relation to future crime). One example is Restorative Justice, which has been shown to be very effective with youth offenders. Community Justice centres would also do a world of good. I think the most important thing is that we need to look at why there are so many youths committing crimes and what we can do about that we should be looking for ways to prevent this from even happening.
Rex
With all this debate on responsibility, I think CMT should be bought back in. Compulsory Military Training. This should solve a lot youth problems etc. They are taught discipline and respect amongst several other positive advantages.
Stan
Very difficult question. Yes, they should be held responsible for the crime they did but with respect of the age: murder, torture, drugs,rape etc are serious crimes nobody should be above the law - start from 12 y.o. Still something - no anti-smaking bill for them in this case may be then we will have no bus drivers robbed under knife point by 15-20 y.olds,
Al Bundy
As a child, I always wanted to be treated more like an adult. I hated the fact that most people treated me the way they expected a child of my age to be treated. There lies the problem in my opinion. Society has an expectation of children to be a certain way, and rather than encouraging development, has continually lowered their academic expectations, and introduced more legislation to protect children from the big bad world. The result of this is that childhood is extended further than is necessary, long beyond the time necessary for them to be able to understand the criminal implications of their actions. We need to get over this whole idea that someone under the age of 12/16/18/20/21 (depending on the legislation) is not capable to reasoned thought, and entering in to legally binding agreements, and start making them accountable for their actions no matter what their age.
Julz
Yes, I do think it should be lowered. We are now living in a world where the children and youth of today have no real worries over there behaviour they can do what they like without fear of serious punishment its time the blame was put where it belongs squarely on todays childrens backs and the sooner something is done the better the ways things are going now they dont work they dont attend school they cant get punished at home .I think there is no hope for the next generation. Glad I wont be around to see it.
SF
As we have succeeded in making our children "miniature grown ups" at a much earlier age than customary, I strongly support to jailing them for crimes. Sorry to say that, but, the ever increasing amount of child crimes is sickening and a definite indicator of how damaging inadequate parenting is. This coddle-moddle your children that has taken a foothold in recent years is not working! When I was 12 and 14 years old (and that isn't that long ago) hanging around at night time was unheard of. I wouldn't have even dreamt of robbing or killing someone... I was a child and enjoyed my childhood. Children nowadays seem to go from Toddler straight into Adult - no childhood at all. Can't remember ever seeing "super nanny" programs on TV back then, as we wouldn't have dared to speak to our parents like that, let alone being disobedient. What is this world coming to? Yes, definitely - if you commit an adult crime - you must be punished like an adult! I just wish the sentences were longer. I do believe though that these "adults" should work for their stay in jail and not be supported by the system. Their parents should also made to pay a daily fee for every day their "adult" spends in jail. Perhaps they will then be vigilant about parenting with their younger "adults" - although, in some cases, I doubt it.
