FACTORS AFFECTING JUVENILE DELINQUENCY IN THE JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL AT KASIGLAHAN VILLAGE SAN JOSE MONTALBAN RIZAL

Abstract

Juvenile delinquency is increasing in areas such as Kasiglahan Village, where students in junior high school often face social and economic hardships. These challenges frequently result in behaviors such as truancy, theft, and involvement in gangs. This study aims to identify the underlying factors that contribute to juvenile delinquency and propose preventive measures. Guided by Social Learning Theory and Strain Theory, the research examines how environmental influences, peer pressure, and economic struggles shape adolescent behavior. These theoretical frameworks provide insight into how delinquent tendencies develop and highlight the importance of interventions such as effective parenting, quality education, and strengthened community support systems. This study employs a descriptive quantitative research design and utilizes a structured survey questionnaire to gather data from 60 respondents. The participants include 20 students, 20 parents, and 20 police officers, all selected based on their familiarity with or direct experience regarding juvenile delinquency in Kasiglahan Village. The questionnaire, validated by field experts, explores causes, challenges, and potential solutions. Ethical considerations, including informed consent and participant confidentiality, were strictly observed. The collected data were analyzed using basic statistical tools such as percentages and mean scores. The majority of respondents were male adolescents aged 12 to 18, typically coming from households with low educational attainment. These demographic characteristics aligned with known risk factors associated with juvenile delinquency. Peer pressure and the absence of community youth programs emerged as major contributing elements. Respondents consistently emphasized the importance of collaboration among schools, families, and law enforcement in addressing delinquency. Financial instability and limited access to educational or employment opportunities were also cited as significant influences on youth behavior. The highest-rated preventive strategy was community-based cooperation to address youth issues holistically. The findings support both Social Learning Theory and Strain Theory in explaining juvenile delinquency. Adolescents exposed to unstable family environments and poverty were more susceptible to engaging in delinquent acts. The issue is not only specific to the local context but also reflects broader social patterns. While the community shows awareness and willingness to address the problem, limited resources and insufficient support programs hinder effective intervention. The study highlights the need for preventive approaches, particularly those focused on enhancing the social and emotional competencies of youth. Developing communication, conflict resolution, and emotional regulation skills appears more effective in mitigating juvenile delinquency than punitive measures.