Authors

• Aromaa, Kauko (National Research Institute of Legal Policy (Optula))
• Kivivuori, Janne (National Research Institute of Legal Policy (Optula))

Keywords

adolescents, alcohol use, assault, bullying, crime victims, criminal damage, disorderly conduct, drug abuse, juvenile delinquency, offences, schoolchildren, sexual offences, theft, traffic offences, youth

Abstract

The survey studied the extent, frequency and nature of self-reported offending among Finns aged 15-16 and their attitudes towards crime. Questions covered truancy, running away from home, using public transport without paying, driving without a licence, doing graffiti, vandalising school property or other property, shoplifting, stealing from school or home, car theft and buying stolen goods. If the respondents admitted to having committed any of these offences, they were asked about their age at the time and whether the police had been notified. Recent incidents were charted more thoroughly (whether they had been alone or with friends, value of the stolen goods etc.). The respondents were also asked whether they had experienced phases during which they did more shoplifting than usual.

Some questions charted the respondents' participation in drink-driving, bullying, fights, assaults and use of marijuana, hashish or other illegal drugs. The survey carried a set of attitudinal questions about sexual offences (especially rape), the acceptability of breaking the law, sentencing, reasons of young people for breaking the law, and the acceptability of different offences and actions. The respondents were asked how likely it was that they themselves would commit certain offences in the future (truancy, shoplifting, assaults, use of mild drugs). Their experiences of being victims of bullying, thefts, physical attacks or threats were also questioned. Girls were asked if they had experienced sexual harassment. Last set of questions covered respondents' health problems.

Background variables included, among others, respondents' sex, age, academic achievement, employment status, use of money, leisure activities, dating, alcohol use, smoking, punishments received from parents, parents' occupation and employment status. There were also two variables connected to type of municipality.