Punishing Parents: Who is Responsible for Delinquent Kids?

Originally an ABC 20/20 program, which--like most news magazines--features graphic footage, alarming interviews, hair-raising statistics, and sophistical “solutions,” Punishing Parents: Who is Responsible for Delinquent Kids? discusses the civil and criminal liabilities of parents whose children have been caught breaking the law. Hosted by correspondent John Stossel, the program features interviews with parents, kids, victims, and legal professionals, touching on crimes and behaviors ranging from school shooters and DWI drivers, to oral sex-indulging middle schoolers and garden-variety vandals. Ultimately, however, the program reaches far beyond its grasp to propose a solution to the entire problem of juvenile delinquency: according to one expert, all you have to do is tell teens how disappointed you are in their behavior. Yeah…that'll work. In the wake of the recent rampage by accused teenage sniper John Lee Malvo, the absurdly wide definition of juvenile delinquency presented here seems both useless and pointless. Not recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (R. Reagan)