Dilek Bozkurt - As Turkey is shaken by the disappearance of young people like Ata Emre Akman, Mattia Ahmet Minguzzi and Atlas Çağlayan, the danger of children being encouraged to commit crimes is growing. What is the sociological and cultural depth behind these tragedies? Experts explain how families and society should listen to this silent cry.
The events that resulted in the deaths of young people such as Mattia Ahmet Minguzzi and Atlas Çağlayan, which received widespread public attention, have brought the issue of children being dragged into crime and encouraged to do so back to the top of the agenda in Turkey. So, how does a child become a target for criminal networks? Experts point to sociological collapse, cultural degeneration and the uncontrolled digital world.
Is the Sense of Belonging Entrusted to Criminal Groups?
According to sociologists, the biggest factor encouraging children to commit crimes is “the search for belonging.” Children who cannot establish a healthy communication within the family, are exposed to peer bullying at school or grow up in economically disadvantaged neighborhoods are looking for “alternative families” where they can be accepted.
Transformation of Neighborhood Culture: The “neighborhood control” that used to protect children has been replaced by ghetto cultures where crime is romanticized.
Economic Injustice: The desire to make a quick buck overrides the concept of labor, making children easy targets for criminal networks.
Cultural Erosion and the “Aestheticization of Violence”
The change in our cultural structure paves the way for a generation that sees violence as a solution. Experts summarize the role of popular culture in this process as follows:
“The portrayal of the ‘criminal’ figure as powerful, rich and untouchable in TV series, song lyrics and social media trends makes crime a lifestyle in the minds of children. Crime is no longer perceived as a source of shame, but as a ‘status’ symbol.”
New Address of the Crime
The internet has become a “human resources” office for criminal networks. Gaming platforms, anonymous chat rooms and short video content are used to manipulate, blackmail or recruit children into illegal activities. Especially advertisements promising “easy money” invite children to the first step on the road to crime.
What Do Experts Say? Where is the Solution?
Child development experts and criminologists recommend a three-step plan to prevent this:
Early Intervention Systems: Pre-identifying children at risk in schools and making family counseling services mandatory.
Digital Literacy: Educating not only children but also parents against the dangers of the digital world.
Legal Deterrence: It is argued that adults who encourage crime should be punished much more severely than the crime committed by the child.
Could Your Child be Driven to Crime?
Cybercrime networks and street gangs “recruit” children, often without their parents even knowing. Experts say these 5 changes in children's behavior are vital:
1. Material Income of Uncertain Origin
If your child has new clothes, the latest accessories or an ever-increasing allowance, beware! Criminal groups first offer small financial rewards to recruit children into the system. If he/she cannot explain the source of these expenses, he/she may be in a spiral of “debt” or “service”.
2. New and Mysterious Circle of Friends
The biggest signal is “losing touch with old friends”. If your child spends more time with people much older than his or her peers, if he or she sees people with code names in the phone book or on social media, this may be a sign of a group effect.
3. Digital Privacy and Night Shifts
Suddenly turning off the computer or phone screen when you enter the room and overreacting to your access to their devices may not be normal “teenage privacy”. Especially the intensity of anonymous messaging apps may be an indication of instructions from outside.
4. Radical Change in Language and Slang
When they start using terms from criminal or illegal subcultures (courier jargons, betting terms or a new language that glorifies violence) that you have never heard before at home, it is evidence that they have come into contact with that culture.
5. Emotional Detachment and Extreme Aggression
Criminal networks often manipulate children with the message that “your family doesn't understand you, that we are your real family”. If your child is withdrawing from home, reacting angrily to rules and becoming withdrawn, others may be filling the emotional void.