Sweden is moving to lower the age of criminal responsibility from 15 to 13 years old as the government pivots away from its previous social welfare-based approach. The shift comes as officials attempt to curb a surge in gang-related violence, including murders and bombings, that has seen criminal networks recruit children as young as 11 to carry out serious offenses.
Why is Sweden lowering the age of criminal responsibility?
The Swedish government argues that its former system of relying on social services for young offenders has failed. According to a report from the Swedish National Audit Office, nine out of ten young gang members placed in youth care facilities reoffend, with eight out of ten eventually serving time in adult prison. Justice Minister Gunnar Strommer stated in April that the country is facing an “extreme situation.” Last year, 52 children under the age of 15 were suspects in cases involving murder or attempted murder, prompting the government to propose new laws that would see minors sent to specialized prisons instead of the social care system.
The proposed legislation would make Sweden’s age of criminal responsibility lower than that of most other European nations. The Swedish Parliament is scheduled to vote on the bill on June 15.
What will life look like in youth prisons?
Authorities are currently reconstructing three facilities to house the most dangerous juvenile offenders, including one specifically for girls. The Bosersberg prison, located north of Stockholm, is designed to balance incarceration with education. According to prison director Gabriel Wessman, the facility will forbid mobile phones and focus on schooling and structure, such as chess lessons to improve focus. While inmates will have access to gyms and video games during leisure hours, cells will be locked nightly starting at 8:00 p.m. Wessman noted that the primary challenge is providing emotional support to teenagers who have never lived away from their parents.
Is there opposition to the new measures?
The proposal has faced pushback from both politicians and researchers. Wilma Roth, a representative for the opposition Center Party, told Reuters that a 13-year-old is a child who lacks the legal right to purchase energy drinks, arguing that such children should receive care rather than imprisonment. Meanwhile, Felipe Estrada Dorner, a criminology professor at Stockholm University, warned that placing children who are already on the fringes of society into the prison system could damage their future prospects. However, he acknowledged the public safety necessity, stating, “Negalime leisti, kad žudikai laisvai vaikščiotų mūsų gatvėmis” (We cannot allow killers to walk our streets freely).
How has gang violence changed in Sweden?
Criminal networks in Sweden have become increasingly sophisticated, engaging in drug trafficking, large-scale fraud, and robbery. These activities generate approximately 185 billion Swedish krona ($20 billion USD) in annual revenue. Police estimates indicate there are roughly 17,500 active gang members in the country, supported by an additional 50,000 individuals linked to these networks. While the government claims that its recent crackdown has begun to show results—noting that deaths from shootings dropped to 44 in 2025 from a peak of 62 in 2022—officials admit that stopping the recruitment of children remains a difficult hurdle.
When analyzing crime statistics, always distinguish between official police estimates and projections from independent audits. The gap between these figures often highlights the friction between law enforcement strategy and social policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the Swedish Parliament vote on the new law?
The vote is scheduled for June 15. The legislation is expected to be reviewed again five years after implementation.
What happens to children under 15 who commit crimes now?
Currently, these cases are primarily handled by social services, a system the government contends has been ineffective in preventing recidivism.
Are there other measures being taken against gangs?
Yes. Beyond lowering the age of criminal responsibility, the government is implementing longer prison sentences and expanding police powers to combat the 17,500 active gang members operating in the country.
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