Why is violence increasing among teenagers in Türkiye?
A young, unidentified teenage boy holds his head in distress at a correctional facility. The black-and-white conceptual image focuses on the barbed wire fence, symbolizing juvenile delinquency and confinement. (Adobe Stock Photo)
Statistics have revealed an alarming rise in youth crime. Some 452,070 children were involved in criminal activities in 2023, according to the Ministry of Justice’s 2023 Judicial Records Statistics. Data from the Turkish Statistical Institute (TurkStat) shows that the number of incidents involving juvenile offenders has doubled in 14 years, increasing from 83,393 to 178,834.
Are sentences too lenient?
Daily Hurriyet journalist Fulya Soydas interviewed legal expert Rezan Epozdemir to clarify the term “juvenile delinquent.” Epozdemir explains that, according to the Turkish Penal Code (TCK) and Civil Code, anyone under 18 is considered a child. The Child Protection Law and Criminal Procedure Rules define minors accused of crimes as “juvenile delinquents.”
Legal framework and sentencing
Epozdemir highlights Article 31 of the Turkish Penal Code, which categorizes minors into three groups:
- Children under 12: No criminal liability, only protective measures apply.
- Ages 12-15: Criminal responsibility depends on their ability to understand the legal consequences of their actions. If found competent, sentences range from 12 to 15 years in prison. However, with parole and probation, actual imprisonment may be as short as seven years.
- Ages 15-18: If the crime warrants life imprisonment, the sentence is reduced to 18-24 years. With parole and probation, actual imprisonment may last around 11 years.
Socioeconomic and cultural triggers
Professor Baris Erdogan, head of Uskudar University’s Sociology Department, identifies socioeconomic issues, educational shortcomings, and cultural influences as key factors in rising youth crime.
Economic difficulties and income inequality push many young people out of school, leading to the formation of a “crime culture.”
Influence of crime culture
Erdogan explains that many teenagers believe they cannot achieve social status through education or employment. Instead, they turn to crime—robbery, extortion, drug trafficking—as a means to gain wealth and respect. Social media and television further reinforce this perception, glorifying criminal lifestyles.
Violence as a status symbol
In certain subcultures, violence is equated with success. Acts of aggression elevate an individual’s status within their social circle.
Those with strong family and community ties are less likely to engage in crime, as social exclusion serves as a stronger deterrent than legal punishment.
What can be done?
Erdogan stresses the importance of strengthening family and community values. Young people must be shown that education and employment offer viable paths to success.
Additionally, television programs and social media content that glamorize crime should be carefully monitored to prevent their negative influence on impressionable minds.
