Verified answer

I don't know the actual break down of Australian youths compared to other counties but i would think that thier would be a similar number of crimes committed by kids in most developed countries and a higher proprtion in second and third world countries.

Having 10 years expierience in the Western Australian Police and having spent a large amount of time in remote areas i tend to believe that the socio economic and educational status of familis pays a big part in increased levels of children breaking the law.

Up until recently i worked in Onslow as cop and the aboriginal population has a disparitive amount of offending. this is mainly due to lack of supervision, lifestyle and alcohol abuse.

As far as criminal reponsibility goes a child under 9 is not criminally responsible, those between 9-13 can be but only if you can prove that they know what is right and what is wrong. This is also effected by the severity of the offence