NCJ Number
171437
Date Published
1997
Length
81 pages
Annotation
Following a review of actual trends in juvenile crime in the United States, this report examines how the news media have covered juvenile crime, explores the impact of the news media on public perception and public policy development, and considers positive next steps for the media and public policy makers.
Abstract
In 1974 juveniles accounted for 31.3 percent of all crimes cleared by arrest and 12.5 percent of all violent crime, compared with 21.7 percent of all crimes 20 years later in 1994 and with 14.2 percent of violent crime. Although there was an intervening dip in juvenile delinquency in the mid-1980s, juvenile offending rates have varied little over the past 20 years; there were significant dips in violent offending by youth in both 1995 and 1996. Still, the trend in punitive legislation has responded to a dramatic increase in homicides committed by juveniles, largely attributed to the greater availability of firearms. Punitive policies toward juveniles have also stemmed from the public and political perception that juvenile delinquency and youth crime have become epidemic and a major threat to the peace and order of society. News media portrayals of juvenile delinquency and youth crime focus largely on violence and gang activity. Much of the coverage is on murder and gun violence, even though this is a very small part of the offenses committed by children and youth. the shifts in media news coverage have been especially pronounced in the cases of minority youth and girls. News media need to secure credible data and discuss issues in the fields of delinquency prevention, court organization, and effective intervention and programming, as well as on the incidence and seriousness of juvenile delinquency and youth crime. More in-depth, balanced reporting can result in the development of more cost-effective and efficient programs for the prevention and treatment of juvenile offenders. Recommendations to various constituencies are offered, along with media guidelines, information and policy resources for media, and media relations suggestions for juvenile justice advocates. 272-item bibliography