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Kids as Young as 11 Engage in Violent Crime
1 Nov
Summary
- Young children as young as 11 and 12 are involved in violent criminal acts.
- Online platforms and encrypted apps facilitate rapid transition into serious crime.
- Organised crime exploits youth for as little as $500, viewing them as expendable.
Young children, some as young as 11 and 12, are being drawn into violent criminal activities, a trend alarming authorities. Incidents like a hammer attack at a Sydney nail salon and a bottle shop robbery allegedly involving pre-teens highlight this disturbing reality.
Experts and police report that encrypted phone apps and social media have drastically lowered the barrier to entry for organised crime. Children can rapidly transition from minor offenses to serious violent acts within weeks, often unaware of who they are truly working for.
These criminal operations, often orchestrated by offshore figures, exploit young people, paying them as little as $500. They are seen as cheap and expendable, creating a "tsunami of youth crime," according to the Australian Federal Police.
Despite statistics showing fewer young people entangled in the justice system overall, there's a concerning uptick in violent crimes, including murder and assault, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic. This trend is linked to increased online exposure, including 'crimfluencers' and gangster lifestyle content.
Factors such as family connections and school attendance, especially suspensions, are strong predictors of youth involvement in crime. Recent bail law changes have also led to a significant rise in young people being detained, though evidence suggests punishment alone does not reduce crime.
