Shoplifting is one of the most common crimes in America, and it is an activity in which many troubled teens engage. According to the National Learning and Resource Center, there are over 27 million shoplifters in America, meaning that approximately 1 in 11 people is guilty of shoplifting. The National Learning and Resource Center also reports that over half of adult shoplifters claim to have started the habit in their teens, so if you suspect that your teen could be shoplifting, it’s important to end the practice now to prevent it from carrying over into their adult life. Below you will find three of the most important basic facts about teen shoplifting:
1. Your teen could be guilty.
Studies indicate that shoplifting affects a very wide segment of society. Men are just as likely to shoplift as women, and rich teens shoplift just like their poorer peers. Research suggests that shoplifters are usually unlikely to engage in other types of illegal behavior, which means that your seemingly well-behaved and communicative teen could be shoplifting when he or she leaves the house to spend time with friends. Therefore, it’s important to talk to your son or daughter about the consequences of shoplifting, regardless of whether or not you suspect that they’re actually guilty of the crime.
2. Teens usually shoplift for silly reasons…
The reasoning behind teen shoplifting is generally very simple: They wanted the item. Often, teens steal from stores because they want to own something which they cannot afford, and this is sometimes related to the desire to fit in with current trends at their school. Some teens shoplift because of peer pressure; their friends engage in the practice, so they feel as if they should do so as well. Other teens shoplift strictly for the rush. The thrill of getting away with stealing something provides a high that many shoplifters eventually learn to crave. Many people claim, in fact, that shoplifting is equally as addictive as some drugs.
3. …But some teens shoplift for more serious reasons.
Although most teens shoplift because they want new possessions or because they like the feeling of being rebellious, some teens shoplift because of serious underlying problems. One possibility, although rare, is kleptomania, a disorder in which a person cannot resist the urge to steal. Kleptomania is usually characterized by its apparent randomness, with kleptomaniacs many times stealing things that are completely useless to them and are often even discarded after the theft has taken place. Because kleptomania is a serious condition, it should be treated by professionals.
Another possible motivator for teen shoplifting is a drug habit. Some teens shoplift on a regular basis in order to obtain the means to support their drug habit. Especially if the teen is unemployed or if they are using a particularly expensive drug (such as cocaine), shoplifting may be the only means by which they can finance their drug use. If your son or daughter has been caught shoplifting and they are also exhibiting some of the symptoms of teen drug use, then you should seek help from a professional immediately.
If you discover that your teen has been shoplifting, it is important that you confront him or her with calm emotions and a level head. Although you may feel angry, betrayed, or blindsided, especially if your teen is one of the many teens who are otherwise very well-behaved, becoming worked up is certainly not the best course of action. Your teen is probably shoplifting for a simple reason, but there could be a surprising underlying cause that is much more serious than the act of shoplifting itself. Therefore, before rushing to conclusions and harsh punishments, you should have a serious discussion with your son or daughter to determine the reasons behind their actions.
According to Solomon, there’s “nothing new under the sun.” (Ecclesiastes 1:9). But that was thousands of years ago. What about our own modern world, with its constantly outdated clothing styles and technology?
TMI
For your information, even a cursory reading of the Scripture passages above makes it clear that the atrocities of infidelity and abortion are not unique to our society. Yet we hear so many complain of today’s rampant immorality — and the related temptations — as being unique.
IMO
While eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia get plenty of attention, obesity among teens is a serious problem, as well. In fact, according to a 
called that for a reason: Many people turn to food when they’re faced with difficult emotions such as anxiety, depression, boredom, loneliness, anger, or poor self-esteem.
bond with your teen by involving him or her in grocery shopping and the meal prep process.
You’ve probably seen a T-shirt that says something like “I’m a blonde Polack. What’s your excuse?” The fact is that we all have our excuses for being imperfect — but when they’re ours, we see them as valid reasons, not lame excuses.
Showing Empathy
When we’re willing to be real and show empathy, we’re poised to both receive and give grace. That posture is humility. James 4:6 and Hebrews 4:16 are among the passages that directly link humility and grace. If we were perfect, we would not need grace. Since we’re clearly far from where we should be, we need it. But if we don’t admit we need it, we can’t receive it.
The options available to today’s teens can be both exciting and overwhelming. Instead of going into a rampage on how thankful they should be and what things were like “when I was your age,” parents, teachers, and other mentor adults do well to help educate teens about what’s really important in life and how to manage the increasingly complex world in which they live. Without learning to leverage the possibilities for their greatest advantage, the resources available at their fingertips may do more harm, than good.
Some Things in Life are Irreplaceable
While teens may get a glimpse of this kind of thinking in language arts classes, they need to know that it applies to more than academic writing. Whether they hear something from a friend, see it on TV or even YouTube, or read it on the Internet, they need to learn to critically evaluate the sources of supposed “information” and compare and contrast their determinations with well-respected sources. They need to learn to understand how our own experiences and predispositions color our own judgments and those of others and to argue well-reasoned ideas clearly and respectfully.