Edmonton youth violence on the rise: Police, social workers concerned

 

 

Police and social workers in Edmonton, Canada, have expressed serious concern over the increasing number of violent incidents and murders involving teenagers. The recent tragic deaths of two teenagers have shaken the city. Earlier this month, a 12-year-old boy was found dead, and a 16-year-old girl was shot to death.
Another 16-year-old boy has been arrested in connection with the incident and charged with second-degree murder.

Officials of 'Youkan', an organization that works to deter young people from the path of violence, pointed out that the current situation is a serious failure of various social systems. Children are now committing violent crimes, including drug and gun use, at a much younger age than before. Social workers also warn that adult criminals are taking advantage of juvenile laws that guarantee only light sentences and are preying on and using children.

Edmonton Police Chief Warren Drieschel said it is a very frightening situation to see teenagers committing crimes with guns in public. Experts say that imprisonment alone cannot bring back young people who turn to violence, and they need to be provided with mental health support and rehabilitation. Police are appealing to families, schools, community organizations and law enforcement to work together to prevent such tragic incidents from happening again.