The Times Australia
Sunday, March 16, 2025 8:07:38 AM
The Times World News

.
The Times Real Estate

.

Boot camps for young offenders are back – the psychological evidence they don’t work never went away

  • Written by Simon Davies, Lecturer in Forensic Psychology, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington
Boot camps for young offenders are back – the psychological evidence they don’t work never went away

“Boot camps” for young people who commit serious offending are coming back. The coalition government has promised[1] to pilot “military-style academies” by the middle of the year – despite a wealth of international[2] and New Zealand[3] evidence that boot camps do not reduce reoffending.

It has been encouraging to see this evidence receive extensive media coverage[4] and expert analysis[5]. Less encouraging, however, has been the minister for children’s reported rejection[6] of expert advice that the boot camp model is flawed and ineffective.

So, why do we keep returning to interventions that don’t work? For boot camps, there are at least three possible explanations.

First, they appeal to politicians who want to appear[7] tough on crime, while also saying they are encouraging rehabilitation options.

Second, boot camps seem to have a strong appeal to common sense[8]: people want to believe structure and military discipline can turn around young people’s lives, and this belief outweighs contradicting evidence.

Third, boot camps can take different forms, so evidence of their ineffectiveness can be avoided by claiming, as the minister has, that improvements will be made[9] this time.

This seems unlikely, however, when the core features that characterise boot camps – strong discipline in particular – are a main reason they don’t work. To understand why, we need to look at the psychology of punishment and behaviour change.

The limits of punishment

As children, either through direct experience or observing others, we learn that if we touch a hot stove we get burned. People tend to assume punishment works in the same way: we change our behaviour following punishment.

In practice, and in the criminal justice system in particular, punishment rarely works that way.

It has long been argued that punishment which is immediate, certain and severe will deter crime[10]. But most offending goes undetected initially, punishment is often delayed, and more severe sentences have not been shown[11] to deter offending. Serious offending, in particular, appears not to be deterred[12] by punishment.

Punishment also only tells someone what they should not do, not what they should be doing. In fact, punishment can have the opposite effect[13], leading to more of the behaviour you were trying to prevent. To learn new behaviours, young people need praise and encouragement[14].

When punishment meets trauma

Perhaps the main problem with the assumption that young people who offend seriously “just need some discipline” is that they have often already experienced more – and more severe – discipline than most. We might also call this “abuse”.

Recent New Zealand evidence[15] found 95% of a sample of 63 young people involved in “ram raid” events had been exposed to family harm; 65% reported five or more such occasions.

Decades of research[16] into the impacts of childhood maltreatment and trauma tell us these types of experiences have substantial effects on development. Children tend to develop a poor understanding of emotions, low self-value, problems forming healthy relationships, and hypervigilance to perceived threats.

When young people with these difficulties are subjected to harsh discipline in boot camps, they are likely to associate their treatment with the serious physical harm caused to them in the past, causing further anxiety and stress. Without healthy ways to manage those emotions, further disruptive behaviour, including aggression, is likely.

Just as young people tend to engage in behaviour (such as violence) shown to them by others, they also tend to adopt the attitudes of those around them. Often, these include negative views of society at large, particularly towards authority figures.

Because of the strong link[17] between those attitudes and reoffending, interventions should focus on shifting those attitudes.

At best, however, research[18] suggests boot camps have no impact on such attitudes. At worst, a focus on discipline may strengthen unhelpful attitudes and hinder the ability to form a therapeutic relationship.

A working therapeutic relationship is perhaps the single most important feature[19] of effective interventions aimed at changing behaviour.

Focus on what we know works

Boot camps do not appear to be going away. They are seemingly popular with the public[20] and will therefore likely remain popular with politicians.

But the evidence is clear: in the different forms tried to date, they do not reduce reoffending. Most likely, this is because of the limitations of punishment as a method of changing behaviour, and the backgrounds of the young people entering these camps.

That doesn’t mean these young people cannot be helped. There is good evidence[21] that several different interventions – ones that have a therapeutic focus, involve relevant support people, and work on building skills for living “pro-socially” – can reduce reoffending and other antisocial behaviour.

Nor does it mean young people who seriously offend should be exempt from consequences. But we should be honest about the purpose and likely outcome of those consequences, and accept that punishment alone will not change behaviour.

One of the most telling findings from research into boot camps[22] is that those with a rehabilitative component are more effective at reducing reoffending than other models. Some may cite this as evidence boot camps can be effective.

We disagree. If the reason some boot camps are effective is because they include a rehabilitative component, why bother with the boot camp aspect? Why not focus on what does work?

References

  1. ^ promised (www.rnz.co.nz)
  2. ^ international (doi.org)
  3. ^ New Zealand (www.msd.govt.nz)
  4. ^ extensive media coverage (www.nzherald.co.nz)
  5. ^ expert analysis (www.1news.co.nz)
  6. ^ reported rejection (www.rnz.co.nz)
  7. ^ want to appear (newsroom.co.nz)
  8. ^ strong appeal to common sense (doi.org)
  9. ^ improvements will be made (www.nzherald.co.nz)
  10. ^ deter crime (scholarlycommons.law.northwestern.edu)
  11. ^ have not been shown (www.taylorfrancis.com)
  12. ^ appears not to be deterred (doi.org)
  13. ^ opposite effect (doi.org)
  14. ^ young people need praise and encouragement (www.tandfonline.com)
  15. ^ New Zealand evidence (www.nzherald.co.nz)
  16. ^ research (www.annualreviews.org)
  17. ^ strong link (doi.org)
  18. ^ research (doi.org)
  19. ^ the single most important feature (doi.org)
  20. ^ popular with the public (www.1news.co.nz)
  21. ^ good evidence (www.utpjournals.press)
  22. ^ research into boot camps (doi.org)

Read more https://theconversation.com/boot-camps-for-young-offenders-are-back-the-psychological-evidence-they-dont-work-never-went-away-231262

The Times Features

Why You Need an Expert Electrician for Your Business’s Electrical Upgrades and Repairs

When it comes to maintaining and upgrading your business’s electrical systems, it’s essential to call in a professional. Electrical work in any commercial setting requires the ex...

Why Is It Crucial to Have a Building Inspection Done Before Buying a New Home?

Purchasing a new property is a big financial decision that can impact your future for years. Whether you are a first-time buyer or an investor, good or bad, it is essential to en...

Online Application for Sick Leave Certificate: Understanding When and How to Secure One

A sick leave certificate is an official document issued by a healthcare professional to verify an individual's inability to attend work due to illness. It typically includes the ...

A No-Fuss Guide to an Effective Beauty Routine

Taking care of the skin and appearance need not be complicated; it need not even consume your hours of time. Smart and simple approaches can give one that glow and fresh look witho...

Safe & Effective Tattoo Removal in Auckland – What You Need to Know

If you're looking for tattoo removal in Auckland, modern laser technology offers the safest and most effective way to fade or completely remove unwanted ink. Whether it's an outd...

Fleece-Lined Tights vs. Regular Tights: What’s the Difference?

When temperatures drop, choosing the right pair of tights can make a significant difference in comfort, warmth, and durability. Whether you wear tights for fashion, work, or outdoo...

Times Magazine

The Ultimate Guide to Apple Watch Faces & Trending Wallpapers

In today’s digital world, personalization is everything. Your smartwatch isn’t just a timepiece—it’s an extension of your style. Thanks to innovative third-party developers, customizing your Apple Watch has reached new heights with stunning designs...

The Power of Digital Signage in Modern Marketing

In a fast-paced digital world, businesses must find innovative ways to capture consumer attention. Digital signage has emerged as a powerful solution, offering dynamic and engaging content that attracts and retains customers. From retail stores to ...

Why Cloud Computing Is the Future of IT Infrastructure for Enterprises

Globally, cloud computing is changing the way business organizations manage their IT infrastructure. It offers cheap, flexible and scalable solutions. Cloud technologies are applied in organizations to facilitate procedures and optimize operation...

First Nations Writers Festival

The First Nations Writers Festival (FNWF) is back for its highly anticipated 2025 edition, continuing its mission to celebrate the voices, cultures and traditions of First Nations communities through literature, art and storytelling. Set to take ...

Improving Website Performance with a Cloud VPS

Websites represent the new mantra of success. One slow website may make escape for visitors along with income too. Therefore it's an extra offer to businesses seeking better performance with more scalability and, thus represents an added attracti...

Why You Should Choose Digital Printing for Your Next Project

In the rapidly evolving world of print media, digital printing has emerged as a cornerstone technology that revolutionises how businesses and creative professionals produce printed materials. Offering unparalleled flexibility, speed, and quality, d...

LayBy Shopping