Punishments for Teenagers for Stealing

Reasons Teenagers Steal

• Teenagers steal for a number of reasons. About 72 percent of teenagers don't plan to steal in advance, but instead steal items impulsively, according to the National Association for Shoplifting Prevention's website. Teenagers often enjoy the rush of excitement they experience when they steal. Low self-esteem might also lead to stealing. Some teenagers fall prey to peer pressure while others steal to obtain items they cannot afford.

Return Stolen Items

• If you catch your teenager with an item you suspect is stolen, confront her in a calm manner. Ask where she got the item and how she paid for it. If she isn't able to provide satisfactory answers, make her return it. This applies whether the item was stolen from an individual or a business. If the item was taken from a store, make your teenager apologize to the store manager and return the item, even if it means legal consequences might ensue.

Additional Punishments

• In addition to returning the item, further punishment might be necessary. Restrict a teenager's privileges for a specified period. Take away phone privileges for one week, for instance. Impose additional responsibilities as well. If your teenager stole from a neighbor, make her do chores for the neighbor before regaining her privileges. Provide a punishment that is severe enough to deter stealing in the future but avoid making the punishment overly harsh.

Prevent Stealing

• Educate your teenager about the consequences of stealing. Many teenagers think stealing from a business doesn't hurt anyone, but explain the effects that stealing has on court systems, retailers and the price of goods. Identify the reason your teenager stole and develop a plan to prevent future incidents. For example, if she stole while shopping with friends, don't allow her to enter stores without adequate adult supervision. Get your teenager involved in positive activities, such as sports and clubs, to keep her busy as well.