Juvenile Communication - Essay Example

Juveniles have unique qualities which influence how the message should be delivered to them, these include poor communication skills, particularly the listening aspect of it. Most members of the group cannot listen to and comprehend court directives about behavior. Some juveniles, especially those in employment should have their employer being part of the solution, especially by enforcing compliance (Mark & Gamez-Rugama, 2015). Other juvenile offenders do not comprehend what is required of them due to insufficient education. As such, using simple language for communication will improve their compliance with the rules of engagement.

There are many potential challenges in communicating the message to juveniles, these include: firstly, a negative attitude adopted by juveniles perceiving their neighbors or government agents as too hard-nosed and hell-bent on their destruction to listen to or follow their directives. Secondly, insufficient education and knowledge in juveniles usually complicate their understanding of what is right for them and their subjective thoughts (Haggard, 2014). Lastly, their young brains and weak personality may create unnecessary distractions and or lack of consistency in their responses to questions or issues directed to them, hence their erratic behavior. These weaknesses require constant support to them and monitoring of their moves, which would be costly if not impractical (Haggard, 2014).

As Mark and Gamez-Rugama (2015) said, I would revise my approach in the video by adopting simpler, more personalized communication strategies such as mentioning names. I would also: capitalize on the mode of communication which is most effective for each individual, such as using gestures or non-verbal styles for disabled juveniles; use communication techniques that build effective relationships with juveniles so that they can develop a feeling of being part of a solution; use firm messages delivered in a proper way to establish rapport with juveniles and ensure their compliance; and prompt them to open up, listen and follow the right directions to eliminate any chances of dissent. I would also improve effective relationships between juveniles and their community, such as family members, local service providers, and other organizations that control juvenile deviance because one’s immediate community has a tremendous effect on his or her behavior.   

Generally, communication plays an important role in ensuring that juveniles relate well with their neighbors and comply with various legal requirements for purposes of their impartial trial. Effective communication enables members of the group to appreciate their status, provide accurate information and maintain consistency in their submissions. Using firm, simple language and building effective relationships with them is arguably the surest way to enforce juvenile compliance with the law. Otherwise, juveniles will feel unwanted and most probably respond by showing acts of dissent.