Youth violent crime is on the rise – often driven by cumulative problems

Youth violent crime, which had been declining for a long time, has increased in recent years. In particular, violent offences committed by under-15s have become more common since 2015, and their numbers have grown. The phenomenon affects both young people with Finnish backgrounds and those with foreign backgrounds. Young people are also increasingly carrying bladed weapons, which are used in acts of violence or in connection with robberies.

Youth crime and street violence are associated with concern, fear and often strong reactions. According to the National Crime Victim Survey, in 2023 nearly one third of Finns (31%) reported having feared violence outside the home at least once a year. Fear has increased in almost all age groups.

There are multiple reasons behind street violence

Street violence refers to violence that occurs in public spaces and may be committed by an individual or a group. Violent crimes include assaults, attempted homicides and robberies.

There is no single explanation for youth street violence. It is influenced by many individual factors, such as peer groups, feelings of exclusion, social marginalisation, or not attending school.

The impact of social media on street violence has also been widely discussed. Although there is no direct research evidence, it is nevertheless evident that humiliating elements, the recording of acts, and the sharing of videos have increased.

“Street violence is often not just an individual act, but is frequently linked to various group dynamics. Young people form groups and commit increasingly serious crimes. These groups may also include children who are not yet criminally liable, and the victims are increasingly younger as well. Children and young people may also be used as instruments for committing crimes,” says Emilia Hämäläinen, Project Manager at the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL).

Accumulating vulnerabilities behind youth crime

Adolescence is the most crime-active phase of life, and offences are often committed in groups. Young people seek excitement, a sense of belonging and financial gain, which criminal activity may provide. However, most young people do not continue criminal behaviour into adulthood. This is why it is important to understand why some young people drift into violence and criminal activity while others do not.

Youth crime is not merely an individual choice; it is often the result of accumulated problems that society can influence if they are identified early enough.

Research shows that adverse childhood experiences, such as abuse, neglect or insecurity, increase the risk of criminal behaviour and other activities that endanger health and wellbeing.

“In youth crime, and particularly in more serious crime, the background often includes intergenerational problems and deficits in wellbeing. Young people do not feel that they belong, which makes them vulnerable and susceptible to being drawn into communities that are harmful to them. Such communities typically view violence as a solution and consider it acceptable to direct violence at groups seen as scapegoats,” Hämäläinen says.

Young people are also actively recruited online. They are lured into both criminal groups and violent extremist movements. Social media and gaming platforms, for example, are key channels for this recruitment.

In addition, young people are drawn into online communities that incite violence. The aim of these communities is to encourage young people to direct violence at themselves, their immediate family and close friends or other targets, and to record these acts of violence. This is also linked to the use of the recorded material to blackmail the perpetrator into producing increasingly severe acts of violence.

The solution lies in early intervention and cooperation

Early intervention is key to preventing youth crime and street violence. This requires genuine multi-professional cooperation between different actors. Guardians must also be included in this cooperation.

“Violence-related phenomena must be identified early in basic services and addressed openly. The aim is to strengthen young people’s own ability to resist propaganda and recruitment that incite violence. In addition, the young person’s family and close network must be taken into account as part of the support system. When a young person receives timely support, the risk of social exclusion and the appeal of a criminal lifestyle decrease significantly,” Hämäläinen says.

Youth crime is not merely an individual choice; it is often the result of accumulated problems that society can influence if they are identified early enough.

“Prevention is not a soft option, but the most effective way to reduce violence and increase safety,” Hämäläinen says.