What Is Stealing?
Stealing is the act of taking something that does not belong
to you without permission. An example is removing an object from a store
without paying for it (this is shoplifting).
Stealing does not have to be a physical act. It is also
possible to steal another person’s thoughts or ideas. Although stealing is an
inappropriate behaviour, it is relatively common in children. It often occurs
before a child understands why it is wrong. Most children simply outgrow this behaviour.
In other cases, stealing can be a sign of more serious problems and a precursor
to other delinquency in a child or teen.
Stealing is a crime that can lead to punishments such as
fines or jail time.
What Leads to
Stealing?
Stealing becomes an issue when the person doing the stealing
is old enough to know better. Sometimes children under the age of five take
objects that interest them, not yet understanding that stealing is wrong. They
might not have enough self-control to resist taking something they want.
For those old enough to know better, there are several
reasons for stealing. Stealing may be caused by jealousy, low self-esteem, or
peer-pressure. Social issues like feeling excluded or overlooked can also cause
stealing. People may steal to prove their independence, to act out against
family or friends, or because they do not respect others or themselves,
Sometimes, stealing is a compulsive disorder. This is called
kleptomania. In other cases, a person may have come to believe that stealing is
socially acceptable. Some people steal as a means to survive due to economic
hardship. Others simply enjoy the rush of stealing, or steal to fill an
emotional or physical void in their lives.
What Are the Effects
of Stealing?
Stealing affects the people who steal, the people in their
lives, and the victims of theft.
People who steal often suffer from guilt, shame, or
embarrassment after stealing something. They might be afraid to tell anyone out
of fear of punishment. If caught, they may be punished for their crime.
Punishment depends on the item stolen, whether the person has been caught
stealing before, and the wishes of the person who was stolen from.
Victims of theft can be angry, feel disrespected, and be
afraid of future theft. Replacing the stolen item may be costly.
Victims of theft often feel less safe, are less trusting,
and are worried about repeat theft. These feelings can cause paranoia or
violent behaviour.
Prevention/Preventing
Your Child from Stealing
Parents play a primary role in preventing stealing. They
must teach their children about property rights and respect for others, and
they must model good behaviour as positive role models.
If a child steals, he or she must first be taught that theft
is wrong. Understanding the child’s motivation will help determine whether
other actions are necessary. Sometimes a child will steal to get an adult’s
attention or out of anger or jealousy. In such cases, an adult should find out
how to work through such challenges.
The child should not benefit in any way from stealing.
Parents should discuss how the child will pay for the item or return it to the
owner. That stealing is not acceptable behaviour must be made clear.
Getting Help for Persistent
Stealing
When theft is repetitive or is done without any remorse,
guilt, or understanding of the impact, it can be a sign of other problems.
These can include family trouble, mental health issues, or delinquency.
Children who steal often have trouble making and keeping friends, have poor
relationships with adults, or have issues with trust.
If emotional or mental health issues could be the reason for
stealing, a child might benefit from seeing a therapist or mental health
professional.
In adults, stealing is a punishable crime. If persistent
stealing is a symptom of a mental health issue such as kleptomania,
psychological care may be helpful.
