Know Psychologists say shoplifting behavior among teenagers peaks during middle adolescence. One study suggests four reasons. Risk and experience were the most common reasons kids lifted items from stores. Peer pressure ranked as the second most influential factor. Forbidden fruit was the third reason kids risked the rip-off.
Kids say they often steal things like cigarettes, sex books, and other taboo items.
At the bottom of the list, some kids stole items they actually needed and could not afford. Parents can prevent shoplifting and stealing by making it clear that stealing is always wrong and creating an environment where your child is encouraged to make good decisions when faced with whether to steal. Some suggestions include leaving a dollar on a countertop to build strength in the face of temptation. Send a child to the store with a ten dollar bill to buy a small item and make sure they return with the correct change. Don t hesitate to tell your child about good choices you ve made like returning extra change when a cashier made a mistake.