The six debate authors write that in Norway and the Netherlands, among other places, young offenders are not faced with prison but with conflict counseling.
"There they get to meet their victims, understand the consequences and make amends," the authors write.
The same effect has been seen in other countries and the conclusion in a meta-analysis of scientific studies is that this is the way forward to tackle young people who commit crimes.
The authors question the fact that the mediation law in Sweden, which enables mediation for all under 21 years of age who commit crimes, is barely used.
“Why do we continue to choose punishment over solution, even though we know it works worse?”
The six who wrote the debate article are Lars-Johan Åge, professor and research leader in mediation and negotiation, Maritha Jacobsson, professor of sociology, Jerzy Sarnecki, professor of criminology, Sofia Wikman, professor of criminology, Eva Fromholz, lecturer in law/international law and Lottie Wahlin, lecturer in sociology.
