This paper is intended to explain why the common law in the United States states that children under six years old cannot be held responsible for breaking the law. Two topics will be discussed here, biosocial and psychosocial. It is important to understand that crimes can happen even at an early age but there must be an age of accountability. Young children don’t always understand consequences to their actions as adults do.
Early childhood is a sensitive time for children. They are rapidly growing and learning the basics of life that they will build upon in the years to come. A child’s brain at age six weighs about 90 percent of an adult’s (Berger, 2011). A child’s thought process is beginning to speed up, and the prefrontal cortex, responsible for decision-making and cognitive behavior among other things, is still developing. During this time children are learning how to deal with their fears. If a young person is exposed to traumatic or stressful events, their brains may produce too much cortisol, which may lead to behavioral disorders (Berger, 2011).
Neglect and abuse can also effect early childhood development. This can slow or hinder the development of certain brain functions. Some signs are slow growth for their age, poor communication skills, defensiveness and aggression, and confusion between reality and fantasy. If maltreatment is not identified and corrected early, negative results can continue well into adult hood (Berger, 2011).
From a psychosocial standpoint, a child’s environment plays a part in their development as well. Children enjoy playing with their peers. This enables them to hone social skills. If children do not engage in healthy playtime with their peers, they may suffer emotional and academic issues later in life (Berger, 2011). Media plays a big part in the modern world. Many educational programs are available to stimulate a young ones mind. Violent media can of course lead to destructive behavior and take away from positive interactions.
Parenting plays a large role in a young person’s growth. Diana Baumrind classifies parenting in three styles. Authoritarian, in which a parent sets down high standards, strict punishment, and little communication. Permissive is an