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Discussion Forum 12: After-School Programs

An image created by DALLE-2023 of "An after-school program for teenagers in a modern space with diverse activities like computer work, science experiments, and art, overseen by male and female mentors, promoting creativity and teamwork."

Based on the study materials from Week 12, please contribute to the discussion on how after-school programs may help prevent delinquency and criminality among adolescents. Consider this report from Education Week. Make sure to reference a social control theory.

Please leave at least three comments. One is your original contribution. And two comments are you replies to your classmates. Deadline: November 19th 

36 thoughts on “Discussion Forum 12: After-School Programs”

  1. Based on materials from week 12 I can conclude that after school programs can help prevent delinquency and criminality among adolescents because it creates a form of emotional bonds. The social bond and crime theory fits in this scenario because in the reading it states that having a close relationship with teachers or parents can prevent any criminal activity. In the article it stated “ the stronger the social bond to conventional society and the less likely a person was to commit criminal or delinquent acts.” In other words having a close emotion bond will lessen the thought of committing crimes.
    Micro-level control theory can also be applied to my statement because it speaks upon the emotion bonds. “ Toby posits that those whose parents encourage their learning, take schooling seriously, and build up stakes in conformity and the possibility of a bright future will be prevented from risking and losing it all by breaking the law” this is another quote and evidence that backs up my statement.

    1. I also believe that having after school programs help distract children from being outside with bad role models. It can create a safe space for children seeking role models or even escaping the living environment they are in.

    2. I believe that school programs also help prevent delinquency and criminality among adolescents because they create emotional bonds. I like how you stated MIRCO LEVEL TOO!

    3. Hey Andi, they way you tied in the Micro-level control theory within the social control theory was great, I can definitely see the correlation within your examples.

  2. After-school projects can create an organized climate, encouraging positive companion connections and grown-up oversight, the key components in the friendly control hypothesis. By offering valuable exercises, these projects connect with young people in support of social ways of behaving, diminishing the probability of misconduct and criminal contribution. Moreover, the feeling of having a place and connection created in such projects builds up friendly bonds, going about as an obstruction against freak conduct as proposed by friendly control speculations.

    1. Dear Veyla, I love your response! I want to add that test scores, grades, engagement, and academic accomplishment improve in a healthy school atmosphere where students feel safe, accepted, and trusted in relationships. It also lessens the detrimental impact of poverty on academic performance. So true that the feeling of having a place creates projects that build up bonds.

    2. Hello Veyla, I agree with what you are stating. I also believe that after-school projects can help unite our community and deter criminal behaviors. I like how you pointed out how creating a safe space for people can create bonds.

  3. After-school programs may help prevent delinquency and criminality among adolescents by applying social competence. A school preventative program called the Social Competence Promotion Program for Young Adolescents (SCPP–YA) educates pupils on affective, behavioral, and cognitive abilities and encourages them to use these skills to deal with difficulties, challenges, and decisions they face daily.

    1. Hey Alyssa, great perspective. Your focus on social competence as a preventive measure through programs like SCPP–YA makes a lot of sense. Teaching adolescents emotional, behavioral, and cognitive skills can really help them navigate challenges reducing the likelihood of delinquency.

  4. After-school programs play a crucial role in preventing delinquency among adolescents, as suggested by the Social Control Theory. This theory posits that strong social bonds act as a deterrent to criminal behavior, and after-school programs contribute significantly to the formation of these bonds. Despite the declining access to such programs, particularly in smaller and rural schools, it is essential to recognize their potential in building positive connections and providing constructive activities for adolescents. By engaging in supervised and structured activities, students develop attachments to peers, mentors, and community members. These social bonds, encompassing attachment, commitment, involvement, and belief in societal values, align with the principles of the Social Control Theory.

    1. I completely agree with your insightful analysis of the role of after-school programs in preventing delinquency, particularly in the context of the Social Control Theory. Your emphasis on the theory’s principles of attachment, commitment, involvement, and belief in societal values highlights the comprehensive impact that these programs can have on adolescents. It’s unfortunate that access to such programs is declining, especially in smaller and rural schools, as you pointed out. This raises important considerations about the need for broader support and recognition of the positive influence these programs can have on building strong social bonds among students.

    2. I definitely agree with you , within these after school programs with the use of teachers, peers, mentors , it can create a strong social bond for a child and keep them away from criminality.

  5. After-school programs are a great way to decrease delinquency among adolescents in many ways. Keeping the youth active in their desired areas of interest will keep them from seeking outside influences. After-school programs don’t always have to involve classroom learning, but special activities can be intriguing. Sports clubs are popular because it can help students stay in physical shape, learn discipline, develop a “can do” attitude when competing, and stimulate their potential as they grow. They can build social relationships with their peers, and bond over the common goal of winning together. Understanding that they are needed and their team relies on them can give them hope in these positive environments. Performing arts is great, especially today since social media content creation is a huge thing. Everyone can showcase their acting skills, scripts, and creativity in that program. Another phenomenal group is artists and fashion designers. Designers have ideas and artists have the creativity to conceptualize those ideas. Fashion trends are ever-changing, and the youth are not only the biggest trendsetters, but they are creating their own clothing lines in the process. The art world is full of anime lovers and digital painters who create work for social media. These environments give teens the connection they long desire as they age. A sense of belonging is what’s lacking throughout your teenage years, hence that’s the age at which most teens get their first offense from joining the wrong crowds. Groups that are outcasted due to rough upbringings, and absent family support. Adolescent age is when we struggle to identify which group we belong to. However, after-school programs with specific activities can recruit teens with similar interests.

    1. It’s great to see your enthusiasm for the positive impact of after-school programs on adolescents. I completely agree with your perspective on how these programs can be instrumental in reducing delinquency. Providing spaces for youths to engage in activities aligned with their interests not only keeps them away from potentially negative influences but also offers numerous benefits. Your mention of sports clubs highlights the physical, social, and disciplinary advantages they bring, fostering teamwork and a sense of purpose. Similarly, your insights into performing arts and the creative world, including fashion design and digital art, underline how these activities contribute to a sense of belonging and connection among teenagers.

    2. Hello Courtney,

      I agree with your post, you went into crucial detail. Youth need to be active with positive influence to keep them from seeking outside influences. Teenager having outlets for themselves outside of school is vital to their success. The sense of belonging is something all humans want to feel, and being at that age it is even more paramount for them to understand that feeling. Unity and mentorship are key for teens to grow up in a positive atmosphere.

    3. Hi Courtney,
      Your emphasis on the collaboration between schools and communities to enhance after-school programs is crucial. Establishing partnerships with local organizations, businesses, and community leaders can broaden the range of activities offered and ensure sustainable support. It would also be interesting to explore how technology and online platforms could be utilized to reach a wider audience or provide virtual components for these programs. The idea of after-school programs catering to specific interests aligns with the research suggesting that extracurricular activities can contribute to a sense of identity and purpose during adolescence. Exploring how targeted programs can address the unique needs of diverse groups of teens could be an intriguing avenue for further discussion. Out of curiosity In your view, what role could mentorship programs play in after-school activities? Do you believe pairing adolescents with mentors in their areas of interest could further enhance the positive impact of these programs?

  6. after-school programs follow the social control hypothesis, they are essential in reducing juvenile delinquency and criminality. Social control theory states that people who have solid social ties, are attached to traditional institutions, and have internalized society standards are less likely to participate in deviant behavior. By offering a structured setting that promotes strong peer relationships and contacts with competent adult mentors, after-school programs help to build these protective qualities. The development of these social relationships serves as a potent informal control mechanism that steers youth away from criminal activity. Adolescents who feel a connection and attachment to positive role models inside the program are more likely to internalize the ideals these interactions promote, which strengthens their commitment to normative behavior. Furthermore, by providing a planned framework of activities and adult supervision during a crucial period when teenagers could otherwise be left unsupervised, after-school programs aid in the development of social control. This controlled setting offers positive options and lessens the chance of participating in criminal activity. The deterrent effect on delinquency is further reinforced as individuals associate themselves with traditional goals through skill-building activities and academic pursuits. Additionally, by emphasizing community involvement, certain after-school activities help adolescents feel more connected to the larger social system and more responsible. Essentially, by addressing the fundamental principles of social control theory, after-school programs play a crucial role in influencing the conduct of teenagers and averting engagement in criminal activity and delinquency.

    1. Hi Genesis, After-school programs help reduce juvenile delinquency by providing a structured environment that fosters strong peer relationships and connections with capable adult mentors. Adolescents who form attachments to positive role models within these programs are more inclined to internalize the values they promote, reinforcing their commitment to normative behavior. By providing a planned framework of activities and adult supervision during crucial unsupervised periods, after-school programs contribute significantly to the development of social control, offering positive alternatives and reducing the likelihood of criminal engagement. In essence, by aligning with the fundamental principles of social control theory, after-school programs play a pivotal role in shaping the behavior of teenagers, averting criminal activity and delinquency.

  7. The key to growth is access. The students who are involved in After-School programs are exposed to better opportunities. After-school serves students who may need extra guidance but also are put in a position to view life from another perspective. After-school programs can be found country-wide but the effects of this programming can have extraordinary effects in low-income communities. After-school programming is designed around social control theory. The social control mission is to provide positive influences for those involved. After School programming allows participants to be involved in extracurricular activities to expand their minds so that they would be more inclined to propel their lives positively. Social control theory also grants opportunity to deter delinquent behavior, delinquency can be associated with poor parental management. Participants involved in after-school programs can be led by individuals that can take in the place for a parental role where they may be lacking. Programming can offer mentorship to reduce the likelihood of engaging in deviant activities. After-school programming promotes positive social behavior.

    1. Hello Khalid, I agree with you because I have similar thoughts about after-school programs; they give students opportunities to be themselves and grow mentally. It can help guide them to a better future.

    2. Hi Khalid,
      I agree with your perspective, the concept of after-school programs serving as a supplement to parental guidance is noteworthy, especially in cases where there may be deficiencies in parental management. The mentorship aspect is crucial in providing support and guidance to students, potentially reducing the likelihood of engaging in deviant activities. Your perspective emphasizes the importance of after-school programs in creating a positive impact on students particularly those in low-income communities, by providing access to opportunities, mentorship, and positive social influences.

    3. I agree with the fact that kids who are exposed to after-school programs for sure have more opportunities than kids who aren’t. Some schools offer tutoring after school that gives students extra help for their homework or projects, and then there are schools where students don’t have that help and struggle at home, especially in New York where kids who go back home cant ask their parents for help because they migrated from another country. I, for example, come from a south asian household. My parents weren’t raised in America so I couldn’t ask for help with a subject like English because it wasn’t their first language, but thanks to the tutors after school I was able to get help on my projects.

  8. Hi everyone,
    According to Travis Hirschi’s Social Bond Theory, people are discouraged from engaging in delinquent behavior when they have strong social relationships that include attachment, commitment, involvement, and belief in conventional values. There are worries regarding possible ramifications for social control mechanisms in light of the reported reduction in K–12 student involvement in after-school programs during the 2023–24 school year, particularly in small and rural schools. Positive relationships with peers, instructors, and mentors facilitate attachment, which is one way that after-school activities positively impact children. Delinquency is discouraged by these relationships because people are less inclined to jeopardize them. Furthermore, the commitment needed to participate in the program serves as a disincentive to criminal activity, and the organized activities offered encourage positive involvement and lower the risk of unsupervised delinquency. Adolescents’ beliefs are shaped by after-school programs, which frequently highlight traditional values like education, personal growth, and community service. However, there are worries about weakening social ties and a possible rise in delinquent conduct due to the reported drop in access to these programs, particularly post-pandemic rehabilitation aid. Social control theories such as Hirschi highlight how the diminishing supply of after-school activities threatens the vital social control mechanisms that work to prevent teenage criminality.

    1. In my opinion, The reduction in K-12 student involvement in after-school programs during the 2023-24 school year raises concerns about potential ramifications for social control mechanisms, especially in smaller and rural schools. After-school programs play a crucial role in deterring delinquent behavior by fostering positive relationships, requiring commitment, and encouraging positive involvement. The reported drop in access to these programs, especially during the post-pandemic rehabilitation phase, raises concerns about weakened social ties and a potential increase in delinquent conduct. Social control theories underscore the critical role of after-school activities in maintaining essential social control mechanisms that work to prevent teenage criminality.

  9. After-school programs are crucial in preventing delinquency among teenagers, as proposed by the Social Control Theory. The theory posits that robust social bonds serve as a deterrent to criminal behavior, and after-school programs have a significant role in fostering these bonds. Despite their dwindling availability, particularly in smaller and rural schools, it is essential to recognize their potential in establishing positive connections and offering constructive activities for adolescents. Participation in supervised and structured activities facilitates the formation of connections with peers, mentors, and community members. These social bonds, which encompass attachment, commitment, involvement, and belief in societal values, closely align with the principles of the Social Control Theory. Thus, after-school programs play a vital role in promoting social stability and preventing delinquency among teenagers.

    1. Hi Manifer, I agree that after school programs are crucial to the youth community. Instead of the youth engaging in drugs or gang violence they will be able to have the opportunity to develop new skills.

  10. Growing up in a community where violence and drugs are the biggest threats to our young children , I strongly believe extra curriculums are a way to distract and protect our youth from the negative aspects of todays life. Instead of picking up a gun, teach children how to pick up a ball and hoop. After school programs create a safe space to nurture kids and help them communicate and create bonds with other youths. It also teaches children rules and how to follow them as well as a safe place. After school programs give children fun experiences, trips, and a way out of the streets. They give students a place to be and something to look forward to oppose to following others.

    1. I agree with you tatianna. Extracurricular activities, for example sports, keep kids engaged with each other while having a challenging environment but yet healthy safe environment where they grow up learning team skills.

  11. After-school programs are essential in preventing delinquency and criminality among adolescents, as supported by the principles of social control theory. These programs create structured environments with supervision, offering constructive activities that reduce the likelihood of unsupervised risky behaviors. Through mentorship and positive role models, adolescents develop strong social bonds, fostering a sense of attachment and commitment. Moreover, the focus on skill development and academic support enhances their commitment to conventional success, acting as a deterrent to delinquent activities. Community engagement and prosocial peer relationships further contribute to a sense of belonging and commitment, aligning with the core concepts of social control theory. The positive impact of after-school programs is reinforced by examples and data from the Education Week report, emphasizing their role in building supportive environments that guide adolescents towards responsible, law-abiding behavior.

  12. After-school programs are very important against adolescent delinquency, aligning with social control theories like Travis Hirschi’s Social Bond Theory. These programs make social bonds among students by encouraging positive attachments, commitments, and structured involvement. They teach ethical beliefs and develop skill development. When the youth is engaged in constructive activities, they develop a sense of purpose and accomplishment, reducing the chances of them heading towards delinquent behavior. Through positive relationships and a supportive environment, after-school programs keep kids in positive environments and keep kids engaged with one another while working in a team environment.

    1. Hi Azmain, I also mentioned in my response having social bonds can help prevent delinquent behavior. The adolescents will have positive relationships with peers which can result in promoting positive choice making.

  13. Social control theory suggests that individuals are more likely to conform to societal norms and avoid delinquent behavior when they have strong social bonds and attachments, opportunities for involvement in conventional activities, belief in the moral order of society, and a sense of commitment to societal values. After-school programs can contribute to these elements. After-school programs work to provide structure and supervision, giving adolescents a positive and organized environment. This structure can reduce the likelihood of unsupervised and potentially delinquent behaviors during the critical after-school hours. Through structured activities, positive role models, skill development, community engagement, positive peer interactions, and the enhancement of decision-making skills, these programs help strengthen social bonds and reinforce conventional values, reducing the likelihood of engaging in delinquent behaviors.

  14. After school programs may help prevent delinquency and criminality among adolescents by allowing the youth to have a safe space. Positive relationships can be built within teachers and their peers. Instead of following the wrong crowd and getting into drugs or gangs it can provide for new hobby interest such as sports, art, and etc. After school programs removes the focus from anything negative a child can have going on in their life. As well as monitoring the behavior among adolescents. This goes back to the social control theory. By having strong social bonds delinquent behavior is less likely to be taken place.

  15. After school programs can prevent delinquency and criminality in adolescents by having the kids interact with other diverse group of kids which can create a positive peer influence, A positive peer influence can be a good deterrent for delinquency because it can keep a child going along a positive route than a bad one. This goes back too social control theory because it shows through strong social bonds and connections, we are able to prevent delinquency in children.

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