Expert: Murder and manslaughter rare among young people
Even if the cases always make the headlines: murder and manslaughter are rare offenses in juvenile crime. "In 2022, a total of 513 completed and 1723 attempted cases of murder and manslaughter were registered by the police throughout Germany," said Professor Klaus Boers from the Institute of Criminal Sciences at the University of Münster. Of the suspects identified, a quarter were between the ages of 8 and 20.
Youth violence on the decline overall
In general, youth violence has fallen sharply since the mid-2000s at the latest, said the criminologist. "This phenomenon is known as the 'crime drop' and can also be observed internationally." In Germany, police-recorded youth violence rose for the first time in a long time in 2022. "We won't be able to say whether this is a flash in the pan or a trend reversal for another two or three years," explained Boers. Compared to the 1990s, however, youth crime is still at a low level.
Whether a young person becomes violent depends very much on their socialization. In addition to friends and teachers, the parental home has a major influence on the relationship to violence. "When children are beaten, they may see violence as a means of communication," said Professor Boers. Young people learn social norms from their parents and at school. "In other words, what is allowed and what is not."
Puberty is a critical age
Generally speaking, puberty is the most vulnerable age for slipping into crime, said the expert. Between the ages of 12 and 16, young people are in a sensitive phase of their lives. From mid-adolescence, things generally become less critical again.
Despite the increasing media attention towards youth crime, school environments are typically safe spaces with minimal instances of serious crimes like murder and manslaughter. Regularly, schools serve as platforms for instilling positive values and promoting healthy social norms, guiding young individuals away from violent behavior.
Source: www.dpa.com
