Editor’s view: Young criminals missing out on time in the classroom

There are some very simple, often inconvenient reasons staring us in the face when it comes to the so-called mystery of the youth crime crisis, and one of them is poor school attendance.

There is much pontification and confusion in public dialogue around the so-called mystery of the youth crime crisis. Many ask why it’s happening.

But in fact there are some very simple, often inconvenient reasons staring us in the face.

One, as detailed in today’s Courier-Mail, is poor school attendance.

Disturbing statistics revealed in the story show the undeniable correlation between criminality and an absence from the classroom. It seems so obvious and yet as a state we haven’t been able to fix it.

More than 70 per cent of unlawful use offences were committed by kids.

According to Queensland Police Service data, Cairns division recorded almost 900 car thefts in the 12 months between May last year and April this year – the highest in the state.

More than 70 per cent of unlawful use offences were committed by kids.

The stats also tell us that the Cairns West State School, located within this division, recorded a 72 per cent attendance rate which is more than 10 per cent lower than the Queensland average.

This dynamic is mirrored in Indigenous communities where school attendance rates are truly disturbing, along with crime rates.

Cairns West State School.

Aurukun State School recorded an attendance rate of just 34 per cent while 71 per cent of car thefts in the community were being committed by juveniles.

No one needs a degree in child psychology to grasp the simple truth that children need structure and routine in their lives, along with love and affection.

For many, school is also their only ticket to a decent breakfast.

That kids as young as eight are left for hours a day unsupervised and free to roam immediately suggests there will be undesirable outcomes.

Pointing out that parents who are culpable in the failure of their offspring to attend school are liable for a $700 fine (and $14,000 for subsequent offences) seems hardly worthwhile given there are so few prosecutions.

Griffith University criminologist Professor Ross Homell suggests it is the kids with learning difficulties who are most vulnerable.

Many kids who engage in criminal activity found themselves at the bottom of the class ladder early in their schooling, and were never given an opportunity to climb back up.

Those children continue to fall behind the statewide average development standards, and the gaps grow wider as they progress through the school system.

These kids often have neurodivergent disorders, a lack of self-control, poor problem-solving skills and an inability to control emotions, leading them to lash out leading to suspension from the classroom, and a return to street crime.

It is true we can’t legislate to improve parenting skills and ensure mothers and fathers ensure their child turn up every day for school.

But, as Professor Homell suggests, we can put more resources to work at schools in disadvantaged Queensland communities to better address ways of improving the lot of vulnerable and damaged children.

It’s increasingly obvious that we need stronger laws in this state to let juveniles know that crime has serious consequences.

But, when we see an opportunity at taking preventive measures to stop crime from occurring in the first place, we should take it.