Immigration.ca - Canada Immigration News - March 2009
A new study has found that immigrant youth are less likely than their Canadian-born counterparts to exhibit delinquent behavior such as theft and vandalism.
The study was conducted by Statistics Canada using data from the 2006 International Youth Survey and was based upon “self-reported delinquent behavior” which is more inclusive than data garnered solely from police reports.
The study compared four distinct groups of Toronto youths – Canadian-born to Canadian parents, Canadian-born to immigrants, youth who came to Canada before the age of 5 and youth arriving after the age of 5. Results showed that incidents of delinquency decreased respectively with each group.
Authors of the study cited several reasons for these results, most notably stronger familial ties. Youth who immigrate to Canada are more likely to spend time at home, rather than alone or with peers who may be a negative influence. Immigrant families also tend to place greater value on education.
At the same time authors of the study stressed the complexities and variables beyond the capacities of the survey. However, the conclusions are bound to challenge common perceptions regarding youth violence in Canada.
Source: The Globe and Mail
