<![CDATA[Juvenile delinquency remains a significant social and criminological concern in Nigeria, particularly as children and young people experience increasing exposure to family instability, poverty, inadequate parental supervision, peer pressure, substance abuse, school exclusion, unemployment and disadvantaged neighbourhood environments. This study examines the role of family structure and social environment in shaping juvenile delinquency in Nigeria. The study adopts a qualitative documentary research design and relies on secondary materials, including scholarly literature, government publications, institutional reports and relevant criminological studies. The analysis is guided principally by Social Learning Theory and Social Disorganization Theory, which explain how delinquent behaviour can be acquired through social interaction and reinforced by weak family and community structures. The study finds that juvenile delinquency cannot be attributed to a single factor. Rather, it develops through the interaction of family circumstances, peer networks, socioeconomic conditions, educational experiences and broader community environments. Weak parental monitoring, family conflict, economic hardship, inconsistent discipline and exposure to delinquent peers may increase vulnerability, while supportive parenting, stable family relationships, effective schooling and positive community networks can serve as protective factors. The study recommends strengthening family support programmes, improving child protection systems, expanding school-based intervention programmes, supporting vulnerable households, promoting community-based crime prevention and adopting rehabilitation-oriented responses to juvenile offending.]]>
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