Parenting Challenges Highlighted in Teen's Court Case Involving Theft and Behavioral Issues

Some parents are not giving children the proper foundation needed to thrive but are allowing “cellphones and Vybz Kartel” to educate them.

That’s the view of Chief Magistrate Ian Weekes as he spoke to the father of a 16-year-old boy who appeared before the court on Tuesday where he pleaded guilty to stealing over $500 in items.

“If you are not giving them a foundation, how do you expect them to thrive? The family is the first source of creating that value system, the school will reinforce the value system and so will the church,” Weekes said.

He charged that some parents were sending the children off into the “wild” and the cellphones, Vybz Kartel and rappers were educating them.

The teenager of Arch Hall, St Thomas admitted to stealing a laptop and charger, a wireless mouse, belonging to Tyreed Greenidge. On July 1, 2024, Greenidge noticed the items which had been stored in his vehicle missing. The boy became a suspect, and the laptop was eventually recovered.

The young man told the District ‘A’ Magistrates’ Court that he stole the items to make money to feed his gambling habit. He said that when his parents were asleep, he would take the opportunity to leave the house and go out to gamble.

“He at 16 years old . . . you know how many people get stab, shoot for gambling?” Weekes asked.

“He is a child I talk to morning, noon, night and he doesn’t listen or he hears and it goes through one ear and comes through the next,” his father told the court.

The teen’s dad also said that despite his efforts to ensure the doors are closed when he goes to sleep, his son still manages to find a way out. Despite being enrolled in a behavioural school and receiving “blows”, his son’s troublesome behaviour persists, he added.

The magistrate advised parents to seek out available services to assist with children.

“Nobody is blaming the parents necessarily for the fact that they may have a difficult child. Sometimes having a difficult child, though, maybe because of what is not being done,” Weekes suggested.

The magistrate also emphasised the role of the church in a child’s upbringing.

“I’m not forcing religion down anyone’s throat but if you have a Godless child, the child would not have respect for anybody, including you. If they are given the foundation, they probably would not depart from it, some will – none of us is perfect.”

He urged parents to refrain from calling children “lil man” as it was reinforcing negative behaviour and suggested assigning chores to instil discipline, as well as taking advantage of school services such as guidance counsellors.

The teen was set an evening curfew for 5:30 and cannot leave the house before 6 a.m. Any breaks in curfew stipulations are to be reported by the father. Further, he has until August 12 to decide on a programme of his choice. He must also stay away from gambling and submit to drug testing. His bail was set at $2 000.