Jan Jönsson: Incarceration will foster tiger boys into a life of crime

Sweden's approach to incarcerated youth is failing to prevent a future of crime, argues Jan Jönsson, a former local councilor for the Liberal Party and a former principal. He describes the grim reality within the Swedish National Board of Institutional Care (SiS) facilities, where children who have committed serious offenses are held.

Jönsson paints a picture of neglected facilities, with visible mold damage and broken gates, raising serious concerns about safety and suitability for the residents. He notes that over 80 percent of these young people have faced extensive school problems, and many have experienced multiple disruptions to their living situations and abuse before the age of 16. A staggering 73 percent do not trust any adults.

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The expectations are often that we are an institution that punishes the inmates, but it is a humanitarian mission we have.

Despite these challenges, some staff members strive to provide a humane environment. One principal, Torsten, shows Jönsson a school within the institution where students are engaged in baking and English lessons. He emphasizes their mission is humanitarian, not punitive. However, the system's shortcomings are starkly illustrated by a young boy who expresses a desire to stay in the institution, fearing the outside world more than the confines of his current situation, likening his fear to a tiger's roar.

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No, but I can't be bothered, I want to stay. It's so hard to move around and now I've learned how it is here and the staff are nice. Out there, you know, it just becomes...