The Swedish government has proposed legislation that would allow electronic monitoring of children as young as 13 years old, according to reports from public broadcaster SVT. The proposal, which would enable the use of ankle monitors and other electronic surveillance as preventive measures for children at risk of being drawn into criminal networks, has been sent out for consultation to approximately 70 organizations including 29 municipalities.
Child protection organizations Bris and Rädda Barnen have expressed strong criticism of the plan. Anna Dorrian of Bris stated that the measure would be "counterproductive and not at all effective," while Erik Ulnes of Rädda Barnen warned that children risk being labeled as criminals before committing any crimes.
counterproductive and not at all effective
Social Services Minister Camilla Waltersson Grönvall defended the proposal in a written comment, stating that electronic monitoring of young people should never be a punishment but rather a preventive measure for social services to ensure that at-risk youth stay home at night. She emphasized that society cannot stand by while children are harmed or drawn into crime.
The proposal has reportedly received unanimous rejection in some municipalities, including Bollnäs, with a majority of consultation respondents expressing opposition to what they view as an inappropriate measure that could increase discrimination and erode trust in social services.
children risk being labeled as criminals before committing any crimes
electronic monitoring of young people should never be a punishment but rather a preventive measure for social services to ensure that at-risk youth stay home at night
society cannot stand by while children are harmed or drawn into crime