A series of violent incidents involving young people has raised concerns across Belgium, with experts warning that youth crime is becoming more frequent and, in some cases, more severe.
Recent cases have included assaults, stabbings and arson attacks involving teenagers. In one incident in Brussels, a 14-year-old girl was chased and assaulted by a group of youths, while other reports describe a teenager being set on fire with a Molotov cocktail, and a separate stabbing involving minors. Some attacks have been filmed and shared on social media, further amplifying concerns.
Statistics suggest a broader upward trend. Figures from juvenile courts show a steady increase in offences committed by minors over the past decade. Cases of assault and battery involving young suspects have risen significantly, with thousands more incidents recorded in recent years compared to earlier periods.
“Knives are being drawn more often,” said youth lawyer Chantal Van den Bosch, adding that offenders are getting younger and acts of violence more serious. She warned that many young people “don’t think about the possible consequences” of their actions.
Experts point to multiple contributing factors, including social media influence, school dropout rates, and the growing role of drug-related networks. According to legal and judicial professionals, some minors are being recruited into criminal activities at an early age, particularly in urban areas.
The issue is also unfolding against a wider backdrop of security concerns. Authorities have linked rising violence in cities like Brussels to organised crime and drug trafficking. Officials have previously warned that “anyone, every Brussels resident and every citizen, can be hit by a stray bullet.”
Belgian interior minister Bernard Quintin said the problem extends beyond individual cities, pointing to incidents involving explosives and firearms elsewhere in the country, and emphasised the need for a broader response.
