The emergence of "childhood" as a concept is partially a byproduct of industrialization. The protected status of children arose initially in employment rather than justice legislation. Changes in employment and criminal law began to define children and young persons as having a special status different from that of adults and requiring protection and correction rather than personal responsibility and punishment. Currently, there is considerable interest in and acceptance of behavioral theories that stress the influence of situational determinants on criminal behavior. For example, studies based on crime statistics in given geographic areas show that more crime is committed in cities than in small towns. Other studies demonstrate that students have different rates of delinquency and deviant behavior. Still other research explains the link between academic performance and delinquency. Schools can take action to prevent crime generally in local communities and to reduce crime within schools themselves. Shifting the focus of crime prevention away from the individual can lead to an approach that integrates the different areas of young people's lives and provides positive social relationships. Such an approach aims to increase social integration, commitment, and social attachments by facilitating contact with a variety of adults. 19 notes