The paper identifies two factors that appear to influence juvenile criminality in all countries: widespread structural unemployment or underemployment and the feeling among young people that they are marginal to most political decisions taken on legal, economic, and social issues. It discusses two institutions considered most important in socializing young people, the family and the educational system. An overview of contemporary juvenile criminality focuses on drug abuse, violence in the urban environment, the impact of mass media and entertainment, and cross cultural influences. The report also surveys delinquency prevention policies in several countries, social justice for exploited or maltreated youths, and a juvenile justice model that balances due process, social welfare, and youth participation concerns. Recommendations regarding United Nations youth policy conclude the report. References.