Children and Teens Know Right from Wrong

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Do you believe that children know right from wrong the moment they start to lie? I do, because the moment they don’t listen to you or do something wrong knowing it is wrong but they do it anyway, that’s when they know right from wrong. Two to thirteen year olds are a prime example. But the biggest example is teenagers. Teenagers do crazy stuff that can get them in trouble just to be cool. That’s mostly why we have so many teens going to jail. “Many teens shoplift in the presence of friends out of a desire to impress others, as oftentimes the teens that engage in the riskiest behaviors are the most popular with peers.” (Lisa Medoff; When Teenagers Steal). Teens misbehave just to get attention. I don’t think teens should have to steal just to be popular, for one it’s stupid and two if they don’t like you for who you are then don’t be around them. That’s why so many kids are getting in trouble, because of peers. But what’s worse is that they lie about it too. I mean every single teenager lies, every one of them, even when they know it could put them in a lot of trouble. They usually lie because they see their parents doing it and they think they can do it too. All teens lie and that’s because all people lie. We often do it to spare some ones feelings or to get out of trouble. But it also can hurt families. “Some teens may engage in lying on a more constant basis, which can damage familial relations.” (Lisa Medoff; When Teens Lie). They also do it over jealously or frustration against one another. Reasons for lying can also be more practical, such as to gain attention, escape punishment, or impress others. They may also lie because they may engage in activities that they feel they have to hide from parents, especi... ... middle of paper ... ... choose to join gangs. “Even though thoughts of violence may not originally prompt joining the gang, once a part of the gang a teen is expected to commit violent acts, such as joining gang fights and committing violent crimes (like armed robbery).” (RSS; Juvenile Gangs). Some of the reasons teens join gangs is because they want to seek thrill and adventure. Also maybe because they need protection from bullies, or the desire for prestige. Or a chance to belong to something. “Interestingly enough, few teens are actually forced into joining gangs. Most teens can refuse to join a gang and not fear retaliation.” (Natural Youth Violence Prevention Resource Center; Youth Gangs). This could help prevent teens from committing crimes. These are the reason I believe children know right from wrong. But the thing I don’t get is, why do wrong when you know what’s right?

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