Examining Delinquent Behavior Levels of Teenagers Continuing Vocational Training Centers

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the study is to examine delinquent behavior levels of teenagers attending vocational training centers. Method: The study was conducted with 105 adolescents attending a vocational training center who accepted to participate the research between March-April 2014. Data obtained using personal information form and Delinquency Scale was evaluated by using percentages, chi-square, Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U testing. Results: The mean score of adolescents in the delinquency scale was 52.00 +/- 17.31. Frequently committed delinquent behaviors among adolescents are as follows: Using vehicles prohibited by the law (22.9%); exceeding the operating speed limit (16.2%); consuming alcoholic beverages (15.2%); fighting (13.3%); joining a fight (12.4%); breaking appliances (11.4%); whispering in exams (10.5); cheating in exams (9.5%) and escaping from school (6.7%). According to the results obtained from the research, statistical significance was observed between alcohol and substance use and gender of the teenager and illegal behavior average score (p<0.05). Conclusion: Teenagers attending vocational education centers work and they are in more risky environments than other teenagers. Risk factors have to be identified, families and schools have to collaborate to eliminate these risk factors.