Should parents be held legally responsible for their children's actions?

I think it depends a lot on the child's age. Children misbehave or they do things that they don't yet know are wrong. Where I live, a child is considered responsible for their actions at the age of 10 - they know right from wrong and are (usually) fully able to control their actions. However, there is often leniency for children when ot comes to crimes. I believe parents should take at least some responsibility if their child commits a crime. But I also think there are lots of blurred lines and grey areas here.

I have thought on this a lot before answering. I have worked with many kids in the past that have disabilities of all sorts. I can honestly say this much. It depends on the child. Not the age or the way the kid was raised alone. Some kids, I have met in my teachings did wrong and knew they were doing wrong. They did not have any feelings towards it one way or the other. Some kids are just born without conscience, they lack empathy. I think, when the parents find out, they usually try to hide it or cover it up. When they should let someone know. Also, if parents let their kids get away with doing what they want and throwing fits to get it. That is the parents fault too. You as a parent are suppose to teach your child how to earn and work for the things they want. Not just throw a fit and get it. Or, giving your kid all the stuff you never had is not great, if you over indulge. Then, you are spoiling them. And, they should not leave it to the school's to teach them how to act right. That is the parents job. The school's are there to teach math, reading, writing, history and educate them in learning about the world. Not, to baby sit them and to teach them how to act right or not to hit, that falls under parenting. Yes, I agree that kids do think for themselves. But, at the same time, it depends on the child and how much they know and what their personality is like at the time of their choice. So, each child should be judged differently. I have met kids who were 7 years old and smarter then 15 year old. They were more likely to commit a crime and have no problem with it. The sad thing is there are more out there then you think! Be safe everyone... Make your life happy and share the good things that you know to other's...,

As much as a child is their own person which you are 100% correct in the laws eyes if a child does something under the age of 18 the parents are legally bond to their child or their child to them. For that reason, things that are kids does gets back on to you. Not because you did something wrong but your child but that also doesn't mean the child won't be punished for their wrongdoing, but the parents are accountable. Unless you want to change laws which good luck to that isn't going to happen. My kids know their actions of consequences, and some can backfire onto their mommy or daddy so to think hard before they do or say something.

If the children are under age the parents are legally responsible here.

It depends on the age of the child.

Our neighbor's child, when he was 15 years old, fought with his classmates in school and was killed by his classmates. Who will bear the compensation? The child has no income. It must be borne by the family