Buddhist Solutions to the Problem of Juvenile Delinquency in the Tipitaka

Abstract

This academic article aims to study the problems and causes of juvenile delinquency arise from various factors such as the impacts of modern society, family relationships, inappropriate adolescent behavior, child neglect, drug use, technological and media influence, and the increasing number of younger offenders who commit more frequent and severe offenses. Even though the state has amended the Criminal Code, raising the minimum age exempt from punishment from for punishment from 10 to 12 years, and has introduced several alternative justice processes (diversion from criminal trials), these measures have yet to effectively resolve the issue. To solve juvenile delinquency using Buddhist principles, we must recognize that children and youth are the future of the nation and society. However, it is essential to focus on quality, and for them to be of high quality—specifically, the quality that comes from possessing virtue and morality. The principles that can be used for youth development are those referred to as the "dawn of the path," also known as "the dawn of education" or "the golden light that illuminates a prosperous life."