CDU General Secretary Carsten Linnemann is calling for a debate on the age of criminal responsibility in Germany, which currently stands at 14 years, in light of the increasing child and youth crime rates. He suggests lowering the age of criminal responsibility from 14 to 12 years, stating that young offenders must face consequences as quickly as possible. Additionally, Linnemann proposes a nationwide ban on smartphones in all German elementary schools, citing Switzerland’s criminal responsibility starting from the age of 10 as a reference point. However, he emphasizes the need for a study to determine if the maturation process of children and adolescents has accelerated.
In Linnemann’s view, it is essential not only to address children and teenagers but also to hold parents accountable. He suggests providing authorities with a wide range of measures to intervene, such as referring individuals to youth support services or imposing fines in some cases. For more complex situations, he recommends implementing educational, violence prevention, or integration courses as necessary. Linnemann also points out the negative impact of media consumption and networks like TikTok, which can contribute to an increase in children and teenagers’ willingness to engage in violence. He calls for improvements in media literacy and regulation, starting with a blanket ban on smartphones in all elementary schools across Germany.
Linnemann’s concerns about the rising violence among children and teenagers extend to the influence of social media platforms and their content. He highlights instances of animal cruelty and violence being glorified on platforms like TikTok and questions the idea that such content does not affect young individuals. The CDU General Secretary emphasizes the need for action in improving media literacy and regulations, starting with banning smartphones in elementary schools nationwide. Additionally, he urges for a multifaceted approach that includes communication with parents, introducing various measures to address different situations, and offering support through youth services and educational programs.
Linnemann’s proposals for addressing juvenile crime and violence involve a combination of measures targeting children, parents, and media influences. He stresses the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions and implementing interventions that range from simple fines to comprehensive education and rehabilitation programs. By advocating for a lower age of criminal responsibility and restrictions on smartphone use in schools, he aims to address the root causes of violence among youth and promote a safer environment for children to grow and develop. His ideas have sparked a debate on how best to tackle the issue of youth crime in Germany and whether policy changes are needed to ensure swift and effective responses to juvenile offenders.
