At what age should children never be incarcerated?

The most widely accepted standard in juvenile justice indicates that children 10 years or younger should never be incarcerated. This principle is rooted in developmental psychology, which suggests that very young children lack the cognitive and emotional maturity required to fully understand the consequences of their actions and to navigate the complexities of the legal system.

Research demonstrates that children at this age are still in critical phases of social and emotional development. Incarceration can lead to detrimental effects on their mental health, educational outcomes, and overall well-being. Furthermore, many jurisdictions have established formal policies stating that children below a certain age, often set at 10, should not face incarceration as a response to delinquent behavior, advocating for alternative interventions that focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment.

As a result, establishing the threshold at 10 years aligns with these legal frameworks and developmental considerations, making it the correct answer to the question regarding appropriate age limits for incarceration.