Juvenile delinquency is a problem that only affects not just one particular society; delinquent youth can be found around the globe. There are many theories about the best solutions to curb the negative behaviors of these individuals, including enrollment in extracurricular activities, juvenile rehabilitation, and changing the family structure. Many people however, recognize that there is not likely to be a single correct answer. Changing the prevalence of troubled and troublemaking youth will likely require a combination of solutions.

In many instances, juvenile delinquency rates are extremely high among minorities. There are several theories as to why this may be. Some suggest it is because the majority of society has generally negative or stereotypical attitudes toward these youth that the youth can detect. Others suggest it is because minority youth are not widely exposed to positive role models that they can relate to.

These theories show why many believe that a key element in solving juvenile delinquency is for community members to take an interest in the problem. It is believed that people can play a vital role by displaying positive and concerned attitudes towards youth in their communities. It is also believed that prominent minorities can make a major difference by becoming active in their communities. Furthermore, it can help if education is balanced to show the relevance and contributions of minority cultures.

There are many reasons why people reject theories that connect the demise of the traditional family and juvenile delinquency. For example, single mothers may take it as a lack of acknowledgment for their efforts. Homosexuals may claim that the theory is faith based discrimination. Studies and statistics, however, have repeatedly been used to show that when children are members of a traditional family, juvenile delinquency tends to be less prevalent.

Juveniles tend to be gaining increasing amount of liberty. This is often highlighted as a contributing factor in juvenile delinquency. Instead of leaving young and impressionable minds to their own devices, it often suggested that youth should be subjected to more structure. One way that this can be done is by enrolling them in extracurricular activities. Doing so can keep youth away from negative peers and teach them valuable characteristics such as commitment and teamwork.

Juvenile delinquency may also be readily solved by rehabilitation. It has been noted that many of the methods that are labeled as rehabilitation are actually punishment. If these methods were changed to those that attempt to address the problems with more personalized measures, it is believed that the success rate would increase. For example, incarcerating juveniles is denounced by many who believe that removing children from their families and treating them like prisoners is counterproductive. Counseling, psychological evaluations, and activity based rehabilitation programs are often suggested as better alternatives.