Increasing number of risk factors push young people to commit abhorrent acts

Australia: YOUNG killers are not necessarily born evil but an increasing number of "risk factors" in society can push them to commit abhorrent acts, psychologists believe.

Jason Downie was sentenced to 35 years for the triple murders of
Andrew, Rose and Chantelle Rowe of Japunda

After the arrest of a Quorn man, 19, after this week's double murder of Jasinta-Leigh Fullerton, 22, and Rebecca Wild, 16, in the state's Mid North, many have questioned what has led to teenagers carrying out brutal murders in the past two years, including the killing of three members of the Rowe family, at Kapunda, the murder of Callington woman Pirjo Kemppainen and that of Seacliff pensioner Anne Redman.

Child psychologist Dr Michael Carr-Gregg said there were well-known "risk factors" in a child's development, including the home and school environment, peers and community. There were also "protective factors" such as a stable family and role models.

"There are now more risk factors impacting on the lives of young people and fewer protective factors," he said.



Psychologist Dr Alan Campbell said many young children were growing up with chronic feelings of insecurity at the state of society and those without strong family support were at risk.

"I have a theory that these kinds of acts reflect not just the Australian social climate but (also) the world social climate," he said.


Society should look at ways to prevent children developing into violent, angry criminals rather than reacting after their crimes, he said.