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According to a recent survey in America, 25% of teens (between the ages of 13 and 17) have shoplifted at least once. However, there are clear gender differences with boys stealing much more than girls: only 14% of young girls (compared to 37% of older boys) admitting to any shoplifting. It seems the worst age group for shoplifting for both genders is between 16 and 18 perhaps because that is the age when brand fashions and the latest technological gadgets are highly sought after. These statistics show that shoplifting is not a minor activity but a major one which costs everyone in the end through higher prices to recoup the losses, and consequences for the stealers.

For parents of teens who have shoplifted, it can be a fraught time wondering how to cope with that deviant but common activity. However, it is worth understanding the reasons teenagers shoplift in order to appreciate how to deal with the matter, if your own teen is involved. At least you will be able to see why your teen feels the need to shoplift and start the remedial process from that basis.

Teens shoplift for a variety of reasons, but the main ones are:

a. Peer pressure, often as a dare: This time of life is a vulnerable one for teens where a sense of belonging, especially to friendship groups, becomes paramount. Often, in a bid to join a group or to impress some friends, the teen could be encouraged to steal. They won't see too much wrong with their activity, especially if everyone else in their group is doing it and they are also involved 'for a laugh'.

b. Thrill seeking and kicks: Most kids admit that they do it for 'thrills' or 'laughs', but this reason appears to apply mainly to the better off, or middle class, teens who shoplift to see if they will get away with it and love the thrill of doing it, the rush of adrenalin, and not being caught.

c. Boredom: This seems to be the most common reason. Teens left with time on their hands, feeling bored with nothing to do, and seeking ways to alleviate it.

d. To gain attention from family and friends: Often teens who have been neglected, left on their own too much, or feeling insignificant and needing to attract attention will shoplift to draw attention to themselves or to use it to 'enhance' their reputation (i.e being 'fearless and daring') in a friendship group.

e. Through the need for money or to keep up with the latest fashion: Teens who are into drugs or alcohol, and need money to buy them, and those who feel the need to keep up with their

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