Teen Crime: Understanding The “Criminal” Mind

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – In recent months, there has been a noticeable uptick in teen-related crimes across The Bahamas , a growing concern that demands deeper understanding of where the violence stems from in the minds of these young offenders.

Eric Fox – Executive Director, Teen Challenge Bahamas
“Teens are more impressionable, if I may say. They often feel like they have something to prove,” said Fox. “A lot of these young men come from single-parent homes, where they don’t really have the influence or the love of a father within the home. That leaves them open to negative influences from older individuals who are simply bent on havoc.”

And just as many teens have been dragged before the courts as offenders, some have also been victims of crime themselves.

Fox says while each case is different, narcotics are playing a dangerous role in warping young minds.

Eric Fox – Executive Director, Teen Challenge Bahamas
“We need to also understand the impact of drugs , the influence of pills and foreign marijuana, which often brings on psychosis. These substances are grown and manipulated with high levels of THC, and a lot of young minds just can’t handle it. That’s when the wrong people step in and begin to influence them negatively.”

So, what’s being done to stop the cycle , and more importantly, how can these teens be saved before reaching the point of no return?

Eric Fox – Executive Director, Teen Challenge Bahamas
“Tomorrow morning at Calvary Deliverance Church, we’re hosting a seminar for single parents from 9 a.m. to 12 noon, where we’ll be addressing these very issues. We have men in society who are stepping up to help father these young men. And other programs are coming on board too.”

In a direct plea to young people, Fox offered this sobering warning:

Eric Fox – Executive Director, Teen Challenge Bahamas
“Don’t throw your life away. If you kill someone, his life is gone , and you’re locked up in jail, charged with murder. Your life is gone too. No one really cares after that , it’s just a vicious cycle. You’ve got to make better choices. This is not something you want to be involved with.”