This piece is a overview of the impact of the media on
juvenile crime. The author looks at the problem by focusing on the
ethical implications involved. The author begins by describing how many analysts
believe there is a link between the media and the rising amount of juvenile violence in America. The author analyzes the reasoning behind those who believe the media has an ethical obligation to restrict amounts of "offensive' material. The author then takes a critical stance, pointing out that no criminal act has ever been linked to the media and that censorship is not a viable option because it would not solve the underlying issues. The author then argues, from a law enforcement perspective, that parents need to better prepare their
children to handle the influence of the media. Situations in which children are abused, neglected, and economically displaced are also a key cause of juvenile crime and need to be addressed.