What term is used to describe antisocial or criminal behavior among young people?

Juvenile delinquency is the term used to specifically refer to antisocial or criminal behavior exhibited by young individuals, typically under the age of 18. This concept encompasses a range of illegal activities that minors may engage in, reflecting societal concerns about youth behavior and its implications for both the individuals involved and the community.

Understanding juvenile delinquency is crucial as it involves distinct legal processes and rehabilitative approaches tailored to younger offenders, aiming to address the underlying issues and prevent future criminal behavior. This term emphasizes not only the actions but also recognizes the developmental context of young people, distinguishing their behavior from adult criminal activities.

In contrast, adult crime refers to offenses committed by individuals who are legally considered adults, while criminal negligence involves a failure to exercise a reasonable standard of care, leading to harm or damage. Social deviance encompasses behavior that violates societal norms, but it is not specifically tied to criminality or limited to youth. Therefore, juvenile delinquency accurately encapsulates the specific issue of criminal behavior among young people.