KOZHIKODE: There is an increase in children committing crimes to make easy money and enjoy a lavish lifestyle. The information is from a census conducted by the Women and Child Development Department, the police and the Excise. There are also those who have attempted murder for money. There are also many children who are involved in drug trafficking. It has been found that many social media campaigns that say 'you can make money while studying' are misleading children.

The number of crimes among children who use drugs is high. The police only file cases if the crime is serious. They usually give children a chance to correct themselves. Crime rate is high in villages. 2,274 children who have committed crimes came for counseling from April 2023 to March 2024 under the KAVAL scheme of the Women and Child Development Department. Of these, 96 were attempted murder cases, 779 were POCSO cases, 108 were drug cases, and 611 were thefts. 2,248 were boys and 26 were girls. 415 were from cities and 1,594 from villages.

Many people start using drugs after being pressured by their friends. 79 percent of people get their first dose of drugs from friends. According to the Excise Survey, 78 percent of children started using drugs to learn what drugs are. 51.5 percent of children got involved in drugs hoping to find happiness.

Treated in Vimukthi

(Under 18 years)

2022.... 1,238

2023.... 1,982

2024.... 2,880

Drug trafficking, use

(Year, children caught)

2022............................ 40

2023............................. 39

2024............................. 55

2025 (Till February).... 36

"Misguided children should not be portrayed as bad people. Efforts should be made to bring them into the mainstream of society. The prejudice that the new generation is bad is also not right."

- Ashraf Kavil

Former Asst. Director

Department of Social Justice