DOHA: Minors escaping from homes and driving cars without licence are some of the cases of juvenile delinquency reported in Qatar, say officials.
Then, there are cases of physical assault involving minors and many not respecting elders, particularly parents, according to senior law-enforcement officials.
Officials say a lack of parental control and the weakening role of the family in child-rearing are among the factors responsible for such delinquencies.
There is a mix of imported cultures in Qatar and the role of maids in family life is becoming too important, which is also negatively impacting children’s behaviour, say officials.
“There are also broken families and in many cases, emotional support for children is lacking,” said Captain Bana Ali Al Khulaifi from the Ministry of Interior.
When there is a lack of monitoring by the family and parents, it is easier for children to fall in bad company.
Schools’ role as a disciplining agency is also on a decline.
Juvenile delinquency is illegal behaviour by minors — younger than the statutory age.
In Qatar, the law defines a minor as a person aged up to 16.
According to the Qatari law, children under seven cannot be questioned for crimes they have committed.
Experts have been calling on Qatar to raise the age of the minor to 18.
Various departments of the ministry, in cooperation with the Department of Community Policing, are preparing to launch an awareness drive to combat juvenile delinquency.
According to local Arabic daily Al Raya, a symposium on the issue was held recently to discuss the awareness plan.
The target group will be individuals aged seven to 17 years, Brigadier Ibrahim Al Buanain said.
The campaign will be a pilot project as its impact on the target group will be assessed and feedback will be taken from people, including suggestions and observations on how to control the menace.
“We are using society and police as proactive partners in combating juvenile delinquency,” said Captain Al Khulaifi.
He said the campaign will be implemented in four phases and the impact of each will be assessed. An overall assessment will be made at the end of the phases. The Peninsula
