How to Prevent Minors from Stealing

There are a number of reasons why teens start stealing, whether it’s money from their parents’ pockets, school supplies, or even shoplifting. Depending on the value of the stolen items, there are different penalties as prescribed by law. However, no matter what, stealing will make both children and parents feel ashamed, embarrassed and guilty when discovered. There are ways you can prevent your child from stealing again, helping them avoid serious problems.

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Punish children for stealing

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Explain the consequences of stealing. Maybe you discovered your child stole money from his wallet or you found the stolen item in his or her backpack. If this is the child’s first offense and has not been convicted of theft, you need to talk to your child and explain that it is illegal to take property that belongs to someone else and can lead to jail time. Don’t take this seriously or make your child believe that stealing is okay if not caught. Be clear and persuasive when explaining to your child the serious, life-changing consequences of stealing. ^{[1] X Research Source}

Use legal terms to explain jail time if you commit theft (when you take someone else’s property like a wallet or bicycle) and felony (when you intentionally steal someone else’s money, such as stealing a wallet or writing an invalid check). ^{[2] X Research Source}
The value of stolen property will determine whether the crime is serious or misdemeanor. Regardless of the severity of the crime, your child will be fined a huge amount or jailed for several months to several years if caught red-handed. ^{[3] X Research Sources}

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Show your child the consequences of stealing. Another approach is to show your child instead of just talking about what would happen if they were caught. Some parents suggest, if your child steals money or things from you, call the police and have the police pretend to arrest your child. The officer can handcuff and put your child in the trunk, then explain what a felony conviction is and how it affects the child’s future. ^{[4] X Research Sources}

This can be a last resort and should only be done when your child steals from you as it is up to you to decide whether or not your child should be convicted. However, this method can frighten the child so much that he no longer intends to steal again.
If your child steals elsewhere, try showing them prison documentaries and inmate interviews. This will show your child exactly what happens in prison that he may one day experience.

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Use punishment, which requires the child to act positively. Instead of spanking or berating your child to increase anger and resentment, focus on punishment that requires positive action to compensate for the theft. This will make up for the damage stealing does to your relationships with those around you, and teach your kids the value of honesty. ^{[5] X Research Sources}

For example, you might catch a child stealing money from your wallet. You can punish your child by making them pay back all the money they stole. This can take time because your child needs to work or work as a maid to earn money to pay you. However, children will learn about the consequences of their behavior, live responsibly when looking for a job, and understand why stealing is wrong.
Another option for getting your kid’s stolen money back is to ask them to clean the house or cook dinner for the family for a month. In this way, children will do positive things for everyone to make up for their mistakes.

Prevent children from continuing to steal

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Ask your child why there is a need to steal. Your child may want to steal for other reasons or problems. Identifying the root cause of your child’s behavior will help you prevent them from stealing again. Children tend to steal for a number of reasons, including: ^{[6] X Research Sources}^{[7] X Research Sources}

Peer pressure can be a big motivator for a child to steal. They may want the latest smartphone or new stylish, soft-soled shoes and feel that the only way to get these is to steal someone else’s, or steal your money to buy one. Most teens get along with their peers, so your teen may feel pressured to have some things to be like other kids at school.
The need for attention is also a reason your child steals. The attention of others, especially those in power, may be better for the child. Your child may be stealing because they know you will notice and care for them.
Confusion or anxiety over certain objects, like condoms, tampons, emergency contraception, or pregnancy tests, can cause a child to steal them. Your child is too shy to go to the hospital or ask for money to buy these things, so he thinks the only way is to steal.
The thrill of doing something wrong can also be motivating for children. Usually teenagers enjoy this feeling of doing something wrong and engaging in risky activities. Most teenagers like things that are off-limits or perceived as bad. So stealing could be a way for them to get out of the way and see if they can get away.

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Create a source of income for your children. If your child steals because he feels he can’t buy what his friends have, help him get a part-time job after school or do housework to earn money. This will help kids learn responsibility and money management, and give them the freedom to buy what they want instead of stealing.

You can suggest that your child create a fund and learn how to manage their money to develop effective money management habits.

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Get your child involved in healthy extracurricular activities. Encourage your child to focus their energy on improving their skills and ability to work effectively as a team by participating in a sports team or school club. This will help your child communicate with friends who are interested in things other than material things or the latest gadgets.

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Spend precious time with your child. Stealing can be seen as a need for a child’s attention. Don’t ignore this. Instead, try to spend time with your child regularly. Show your child that you care about them and what they want by suggesting that you and your child do a favorite activity or go to a band they love to perform. ^{[8] X Research Sources}

During times like these, you can talk to your child about contraception and condoms if you see embarrassment or shame as the reason your child is stealing. Let your child ask specific questions and give them these items so they don’t feel embarrassed. Talk to your child about sex if that’s part of his motivation to steal.

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Talk to a family counselor or therapist if your child continues to steal. If you catch your child stealing again, it may be time to seek help from a family counselor or therapist. Some children steal because of deeper problems that require treatment alone or in the presence of family. Do not let children steal become a habit because it can lead to more serious consequences and form a deviant personality in children. ^{[9] X Research Source}

Some children may develop kleptomania, a rare form of compulsive disorder where a person feels anxious or stressed before stealing and feels good or satisfied after stealing. Talk to your doctor or therapist if you think your child may have this disorder.

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Punish children for stealing

Prevent children from continuing to steal

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