Prof. Dr. Yeliz Kındap Tepe, a faculty member in the Department of Developmental Psychology within the Department of Psychology at the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences of Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU), shared her insights on the risk factors that contribute to juvenile delinquency, the impact of early substance use on brain development, and the ongoing debate between punishment and rehabilitation within the justice system.

Family Environment Is the Strongest Risk Factor

Prof. Dr. Tepe emphasized that family-related factors are among the most significant contributors to children and adolescents becoming involved in criminal behavior. 

"Research shows that juvenile delinquency is rarely the result of a single cause. Rather, it emerges through the combined influence of biological, psychological, and social factors. In developmental psychology, this is commonly explained through Bronfenbrenner's bioecological model."

She noted that scientific literature consistently identifies the family environment as the strongest risk factor.

"Studies indicate that children whose parents provide limited supervision are two to three times more likely to engage in delinquent behavior. Neglect, abuse, harsh or inconsistent parenting practices, and domestic violence are also among the most critical risk factors."

"Poverty Alone Does Not Cause Criminal Behavior"

Prof. Dr. Tepe explained that close associations with delinquent peer groups become particularly influential during adolescence.

"The tendency to engage in risky behavior increases significantly during adolescence. Poverty, neighborhood disadvantage, and limited educational opportunities are also important risk factors. However, poverty alone does not lead to criminal behavior; rather, it increases risk when combined with other contributing factors."

She added that poverty and neighborhood disadvantage should be viewed as catalysts that amplify existing risks rather than as independent causes of delinquency.

According to Prof. Dr. Tepe, research also shows that impulsivity, poor self-control, and behavioral problems during early childhood increase the likelihood of criminal behavior later in life.

She explained that children aged 10 to 11 are in the late childhood stage of development, when brain regions responsible for impulse control and decision-making have not yet fully matured.

"For this reason, children are not able to evaluate risks as effectively as adults. Substance use beginning at such an early age can therefore have serious consequences."

"Rehabilitation Programs Are More Effective Than Punishment"

Prof. Dr. Tepe emphasized that family structure and the child's social environment remain among the most influential factors in both prevention and intervention.

"Neurodevelopmental research demonstrates that substance use at an early age can negatively affect learning, attention, and memory. Studies also show that individuals who begin using substances early face a substantially higher risk of developing addiction, with some research suggesting that this risk is several times greater than for those who begin in adulthood."

She added that early substance use rarely occurs in isolation.

"It is often accompanied by school disengagement, delinquent behavior, and involvement with high-risk peer groups. Therefore, early substance use should not be viewed solely as an individual behavior but also as an indicator of the child's social environment and available support systems."

Prof. Dr. Tepe stressed that research consistently shows rehabilitation programs for children in conflict with the law to be significantly more effective than punitive approaches, particularly when they adopt a comprehensive, multidisciplinary intervention model.

"Social Support Programs Play a Protective Role"

Prof. Dr. Tepe explained that family-based interventions, multidimensional family therapy, and parent education programs can substantially reduce the likelihood of children reoffending.

"Cognitive behavioral therapy programs that focus on anger management, problem-solving skills, and empathy development also strengthen children's ability to regulate their behavior."

She added that reintegration into school, vocational education, and social support programs all serve important protective functions.

"International studies demonstrate that well-designed rehabilitation programs can reduce repeat offending by approximately 20 to 40 percent. However, to be effective, these programs must be tailored to individual needs, actively involve families, and provide long-term support."

Concluding her remarks, Prof. Dr. Tepe stated that the approach gaining increasing acceptance within juvenile justice systems around the world is one that prioritizes rehabilitation and reintegration into society rather than punishment alone.