Sweden is grappling with an increase in childhood gang activity with some members as young as 11 years old. The country’s government is now considering a move that could restrict social media use in an effort to combat the issue.
Swedish police have seen gangs “shopping” on social media for teens to commit murders and bombings, turning these platforms into digital marketplaces.
The Scandinavian nation now leads Europe in deadly shootings per capita. Police data revealing 93 kids under 15-years-old have been connected to planning murders in the first seven months of 2024.
Swedish law enforcement noting that’s three times more than 2023.
Authorities have seen the crime surge spill over to Denmark in recent months. Denmark charging a handful of minors with attempted murder and weapons possessions.
Swedish ministers and leaders of other Nordic countries met with representatives from Snapchat, TikTok, Google and Meta. According to, Swedish Justice Minster Gunnar Strommer said the companies vowed to do everything in their power to prevent gangs from recruiting teenagers.
The Dec. 9 meeting in Copenhagen tasked tech companies to do their part in keeping kids away from gang activity and recruitment. Justice Minister Strommer said it’s a serious situation. The Swedish government used other countries as examples to help curb the problem.
In November, Australia passed a ban just weeks ago in a move officials said was to protect young people from the harms of the platform. Right now, kids under the age of 16 are not allowed on social media.
The education minister adding Sweden’s government will do everything in the power and won’t leave no stone unturned to stop kids from spending excessive time on social media.
