Sweden plans electronic bracelets for children at risk of gang recruitment

Sweden’s government has announced plans to introduce electronic monitoring bracelets for children aged 13 and above who are considered at risk of being recruited by criminal gangs.

The proposal would allow social services to assign the devices to an estimated 50 to 100 minors, mainly to enforce curfews and prevent involvement in gang-related crime.

Officials say the bracelets would be designed to resemble a watch or wristband rather than traditional ankle monitors, in an effort to reduce stigma.

The move comes as Sweden continues to face rising gang violence, with authorities reporting that children are increasingly being recruited to carry out serious crimes, including murders, due to their low age of criminal responsibility.
The plan follows broader reforms, including lowering the age of criminal responsibility from 15 to 13 for serious offenses starting July 1.

However, the proposal has sparked criticism from child rights groups, UNICEF, and crime prevention experts, who warn it could raise concerns about children’s civil liberties and long-term social impact.
Officials defend the measure as a necessary step to protect vulnerable youth and disrupt criminal recruitment networks early.