Sweden Implements New Prison Education Programs for Juvenile Offenders Amid Rising Youth Violence

Sweden is preparing to house children aged 15 to 17 convicted of serious crimes in prison facilities starting July 2026, marking a shift from the current system where minors serve sentences in Sis youth homes. This initiative is part of the government's broader response to an alarming increase in youth violence, including gun crimes involving very young offenders. The government is also considering lowering the age of criminal responsibility to 13 for severe offenses.

At the Sagsjönanstalten prison in Lindome, new sections are being readied to accommodate young offenders separately from adults. Education within these prisons will focus on small teacher-led classes of four to five students, staffed by qualified teachers and counselors. This more structured environment contrasts with the criticized youth homes, which have been deemed ineffective in rehabilitating serious offenders. The prison setting is designed to resemble a hospital environment, aimed at providing both security and tailored educational support.

Political figures like Liberal Party spokesperson Martin Melin and party leader Simona Mohamsson insist this approach will better enable young offenders to complete their education and receive proper rehabilitation. Melin highlighted that the smaller education groups in prison will provide more attention than typical classrooms with 30 students. Mohamsson emphasized the necessity of more effective interventions to combat youth crime, calling the current system inadequate.

However, the plans have sparked debate. Children's rights organizations and some prosecutors have criticized the move, questioning the fairness and implications of incarcerating minors and concerns over restricting internet access, which may affect rehabilitation opportunities. The government initially plans to create around 100 places for young offenders, expanding to 250, with separate facilities for boys and girls.

Meanwhile, rising violence in schools, especially in Stockholm, has led to a nearly 40% increase in reported incidents since 2022, largely involving young children in primary and adapted schools. In response, Stockholm's red-green administration plans to expand disciplinary measures, including establishing a mobile acute school in 2026 to support affected students and teachers.

These combined educational and disciplinary reforms reflect Sweden's urgent efforts to address youth violence through improved rehabilitation in prisons and enhanced support in schools.