Ineffective parenting encourages youth to associate with peers who are involved in criminal activities. At the risk of oversimplifying a complex problem, research suggests that there is a direct link between dysfunctional parenting and the tendency for the youth to associate with delinquent peers. As children, offenders are less successful in school, have lower attendance rates and are more likely to leave school early than their peers. Early school leavers experience many difficulties, the most obvious being unemployment or under-employment. Substance Abuse Alcohol and substance abuse are often associated with criminal behaviour.
Many offenders are under the influence of drugs or alcohol when offenses are committed.
Regular alcohol use during adolescence can lead to higher conviction rates in adulthood. To a lesser extent, research speaks of the influence of television and other multi-media on the behaviour of children. There is also some evidence that there are links between diet and violent behaviour.