Maricopa County launches new campaign to tackle driver of rising juvenile crime

Phoenix, Arizona: Juvenile crime in Maricopa County is becoming increasingly violent, with trends indicating a surge in teen-perpetrated offenses. The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office (MCAO) has reported a significant uptick in the number of juveniles being charged as adults, with a 32% increase in such cases in 2023 compared to the previous year. Moreover 91% of these cases involved violent crimes or firearms, including offenses like homicide, robbery, aggravated assault, and weapons violations.

The numbers

In 2023, the MCAO saw a rise in juvenile crime severity, with a number of young offenders involved in violent acts. In 2023, the number of juveniles charged as adults increased by 32% compared to the previous year. Notably, 91% of these cases were violent or involved a firearm. These crimes included homicide, robbery, aggravated assault, weapons violations, motor vehicle theft, and stolen property.

Is social media driving the spike? 

A growing concern is the role of social media in amplifying teen violence. Instead of reporting incidents to local law enforcement, many teens are recording and sharing videos of violent acts online. This trend not only spreads the trauma experienced by victims and their families but also fuels further violence by giving perpetrators attention.

'Report, Don't Repost' campaign

In response, the MCAO has launched the 'Report, Don't Repost' campaign. This initiative aims to curb the spread of violent content on social media by urging teens, teachers, and parents to report such incidents to authorities rather than sharing them online.

“Sharing videos of teen violence online not only harms the victims but also encourages more violence by giving the perpetrators the spotlight they seek,” MCAO stated in a release. “By reporting these incidents instead of reposting them, we can ensure that these crimes are properly investigated, and the perpetrators are held accountable.”