"When society is more supportive of rehabilitating these youth in the community, they will then feel safer and more comfortable about seeking help regarding their issues," said Mr Amos Ng, deputy director and head of community and youth services at youth organisation Trybe.

Others point to worrying trends such as cyber bullying that might increase juvenile delinquency. Said Assistant Professor Lee Jungup of the social work department at the National University of Singapore: "Even though there are fewer cases of juvenile delinquents (here) than in other countries, the prevalence of cyber bullying and social media use in Singapore is quite high."