Authorities propose funding boost for youth crime prevention in Finland

Authorities, researchers, and organizations working with youth, including the police, are urgently trying to curb rising juvenile crime. If the proposed state budget passes, the police will have ten million euros next year to combat street gangs and youth crime, in addition to two million euros for school policing activities, according to the Ministry of the Interior. However, the police administration is still unclear on how this funding will manifest in operations.

At the core of efforts to prevent youth crime is the Ankkuri initiative, collaboration between police, social workers, youth workers, and healthcare professionals.

Internet police officer and youth crime investigator Daniel Kalejaiye, who works in the Ankkuri team in Kuopio, emphasizes the importance of increasing children’s understanding of law and rights as a way to prevent juvenile delinquency. He has created educational social media videos aimed at young audiences, some of which have garnered millions of views on TikTok.

Kalejaiye addressed pressing concerns for parents regarding youth and social media. He advises parents to review the apps on their teens’ phones and engage in discussions about their use and purpose. He expresses worries about young people freely sharing personal information with strangers online and highlights the challenges police face in addressing online drug sales despite the visibility of sellers.

He noted a notable increase in violent crimes among youth but reassured that only a small percentage engage in criminal activities. To prevent juvenile crime, he advocates for open discussions about right and wrong within families, alongside clear rules and consequences for breaking them.

For further insights, an interview with Kalejaiye is available on Yle Areena.