Youth violence in North Rhine-Westphalia has increased significantly, according to a study by the University of Cologne and the State Criminal Police Office. Interior Minister Herbert Reul presented the findings showing that children are increasingly involved in crimes.
The study surveyed about 3,800 students across 27 schools in Gelsenkirchen, Marl, and Herten. Researchers found rising violence, disrespect, and younger perpetrators. Social media and pandemic-related domestic violence are cited as contributing factors.
But while German children’s crime rates decreased by 17% between 2013 and 2024, offenses among migrant children in the studied cities rose sharply. Girls under 14 are also committing more crimes, with their offenses increasing by nearly 150%.
Reul warned of a “system of impunity,” as children under 14 are not criminally responsible. He called for a public debate on the age of criminal responsibility, emphasizing that children must face consequences for their actions.
Sweden recently proposed lowering the age of criminal responsibility from 15 to 13 in the wake of criminal gangs recruiting underage perpetrators for violent crimes. Germany may have to follow suit.
