What term describes young individuals who engage in illegal or anti-social behavior?

The term "delinquent youths" specifically refers to young individuals, typically minors, who engage in illegal actions or behavior that violate societal norms and laws. This term encompasses a range of anti-social behaviors and criminal activities committed by youths, highlighting their involvement in delinquency rather than just broader issues that some of the other choices might imply.

While "at-risk students" generally refers to youth who may face challenges that could lead to academic failure or behavioral issues, it doesn't specifically denote those who are engaging in illegal behavior. "Criminal adolescents" is somewhat of a synonym to delinquent youths but is less commonly used in formal definitions of youth offending. "Minor offenders" typically refers to individuals under the legal age who may have committed a crime, but it lacks the specific connotation of delinquency associated with the first term. Thus, "delinquent youths" is the most appropriate term to describe young individuals actively involved in illegal activities or anti-social behavior.