Juvenile crime, the true face of baby gangs

THEthe latest police dossier on juvenile crime provides a precise picture of what the characteristics and mode of action of the baby gangs.

«They are made up predominantly of fewer than ten male units, belonging to the 15-24 age group. With reference to nationality, the groups are characterized by a predominantly Italian or foreign nationality (first or second generation). In the majority of cases they committed acts of bullying, fights, beatings and injuries, vandalism and disturbance of the peacebut also theft and drug dealing. By far the predominant activity is represented by harassment of peers.”

Juvenile crime, baby gang and social networks

In the report that analyzes cases of violence in the last year there are important indications to understand what drives young people to join these groups: «Problematic relationships with families, peers or the school system; relational difficulties or inclusion in the social fabric and a context of social or economic hardship. The use of social networks as a tool to strengthen group identities is also influential and generate emulation or self-fulfilment processes. However, it should be highlighted how the support of technology and sharing has an impact; in fact, seeking popularity on social media represents a further challenge that makes young people feel even more powerful.”

And here is the fundamental clarification: «It is highlighted that minor offenders come not only from critical social situationsbut also from family contexts characterized by satisfactory economic conditions”. It’s not just degradation, it’s not just a violent context. This is the detail that counts. And it is no coincidence that the police have included a series of suggestions for parents on their website.

With a declared objective: «Recognize the signs of possible discomfort, to avoid becoming a victim of the phenomenon. But also to prevent their child from turning into a “bully” one day.”

It may seem banal, almost obvious, to say that we need to help children “increase their self-esteem, establish relationships with peers and not isolate themselves, express their anger in a constructive and mature way, communicate sincerely, understand the consequences of their behaviour”. It’s not. Maybe it’s hard to convince them, but it’s definitely not.