KUWAIT CITY, Oct 12: Official statistics released by the Juvenile Public Prosecution revealed a significant decline in the number of cases filed against juveniles during the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, reflecting a relative improvement in oversight and community awareness. According to the statistics, the Juvenile Prosecution received 932 cases in the first six months of 2025, down from 1,194 cases during the same period in 2024, marking a decrease of approximately 22 percent.
About 875 cases were reviewed this year, of which 710 were referred to the competent courts, 143 were withheld, and 22 cases are still under review. As for last year, the number of cases under consideration reached 1,216, of which 1,005 were referred to court, 202 were withheld, and 9 cases remain pending. Lawyer Jassim Bandar commented on these figures, explaining that the decline in case numbers does not necessarily indicate an improvement in juvenile behavior. Rather, it may reflect a shift in the criminal behavior patterns, with some forms of criminal behavior moving into the digital realm. Many of the cases currently registered against juveniles involve cyber assault, cyberbullying, possession of prohibited materials, and petty theft.
Such offenses often stem from a lack of parental supervision and inadequate educational guidance. He stressed that Juvenile Law No. 111/2015 is founded on a reform-oriented philosophy aimed at rehabilitating juveniles rather than punishing them. Lawyer Bandar noted that the state pays special attention to establishing specialized institutions for behavioral therapy and social care, to protect this vulnerable group from delinquency and repeat offenses.
Furthermore, Lawyer Fatima Al- Shatti stressed that the primary responsibility lies with the family, school, and society as a whole. She urged parents to closely monitor their children’s behavior both in real life and online, particularly with the growing number of applications that can be misused for cybercrimes. Lawyer Al-Shatti also highlighted the importance of launching awareness programs in schools and youth centers to educate adolescents about the legal consequences of their actions. In addition, Lawyer Israa Al- Haddad viewed the decline in juvenile cases in 2025 as a positive sign, but cautioned that it should not replace the need to strengthen family engagement and educational efforts. She called for intensified legal awareness campaigns in schools and through the media. Lawyer Al-Haddad stated that every rehabilitated juvenile is an investment in society’s safety and the nation’s future, warning that a minor behavioral issue left unaddressed today could escalate into a serious problem tomorrow.
By Jaber Al-Hamoud Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff
